| abstract |
Metal-coated polymer ar-ticles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amor-phous metallic coatings/layers optional-ly containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are dis-closed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are ap-plied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid seal-ing functions. Due to the excellent adhe-sion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The in-vention can also be employed as a re-pair/refurbishment technique. The fine--grained and/or amorphous metallic coat-ings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage. |