HIGHLY REFLECTIVE MULTILAYER METAL/POLYMER COMPOSITES

摘要

A multilayer, metal/organic polymer composite exhibiting high specular reflectivity even after substantial elongation is provided by metallizing a layer of thermoplastic organic polymer such as polystyrene or polycarbonate film with a normally solid, soft metal such as indium or an alloy of tin and cadmium. Subsequently the multilayer composite or at least a portion thereof can be stretched or elongated by more than 10 percent in both the longitudinal and transverse directions without losing its initial specular reflectivity. Articles fabricated of the multilayer composite may be structurally reinforced by casting an elastomeric or rigid foam polymer such as polyurethane into a cavity defined by the composite. The multilayer composites are useful in the manufacture of reflective and decorative parts for automobiles and other vehicles of transportation, as well as high barrier packages for foods and electroconductive elements.