Market Assessment: Teflon Metallization

聚四氟乙烯薄膜，PTFE（以其商业名称Teflon而闻名）以其高热电阻率和环境稳定性而闻名。它具有接近400℃的高熔化温度和阻燃性，化学惰性（不受大多数溶剂的影响），并具有高弯曲强度。然而，由于它的疏水性、低摩擦系数和低表面能，导电金属不粘附在它上面。滑铁卢大学（UW）的研究人员已经开发出一种技术，可以沉积一层薄而致密的电介质，这种电介质随后可以用于印刷任何金属，如银和铜。本发明去除疏水性，使聚四氟乙烯金属化。本发明的主要优点包括：1)具有高吞吐量；2)不影响聚四氟乙烯的柔韧性、耐电性或耐热性；3)可以处理任何材料（如金属和陶瓷）；4)与特氟龙所需的加工温度相适应。该系统可用于任何需要高温性能和/或基板灵活性的应用。现有的系统通常复杂，限于特定的涂层材料，使用有毒化学物质，对环境造成危害。作为市场评估补助金的一部分，选定的顾问将进行全面的市场分析，以确定最合适的市场机会以及与特定细分市场中技术应用相关的技术挑战。有利的市场评估结果将进一步指导商业化战略的制定和吸引投资。

Thin films of Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE (known by its commercial name Teflon) is known for its high thermal resistivity and environmental stability. It has high melting temperature of close to 400C and flame resistivity, is chemically inert (not affected by majority of solvents), and has high flexural strength. However, due to its hydrophobicity, low coefficient of friction, and low surface energy, conductive metals do not adhere to it. University of Waterloo (UW) researchers have developed a technology to deposit a thin dense layer of a dielectric which can subsequently be used for printing any metal such as silver and copper. The invention removes hydrophobicity properties and enables metallization of Teflon. Some main advantages of this invention include: 1) has high throughput; 2) does not affect flexibility, electrical or thermal resistance of Teflon; 3) can work with any material (e.g., metals and ceramics); 4) compatible with required processing temperature of Teflon.This system can be used in any application where high temperature performance and/or flexibility of substrate is required. Existing systems are typically complex, limited to specific coating material, use toxic chemicals, and pose harm to environment.As part of this Market Assessment grant, the selected consultant will perform a thorough market analysis to identify the most suitable market opportunities along with technical challenges associated with the application of the technology in a particular market segment. A favorable market assessment result will further guide the development of a commercialization strategy and in attracting investments.