Abstract:
Polymer materials that are color-matched with non-polymer materials are disclosed. Methods involve incorporating the same type of dyes used to colorize the non-polymer materials within the polymer materials. In some embodiments, a solvent casting process is used, which involves dissolving a polymer material and a dye with a solvent or a combination of solvents forming a dye-polymer mixture. In some embodiments, the dye-polymer mixture is dispensed onto a carrier and the solvent is removed forming a dyed polymer layer that can be applied onto a part as a color veneer. In some embodiments, the dye-polymer mixture is dispensed into mold and the solvent is removed forming a dyed polymer structure that can be used as a stand-alone structure or as part of a larger structure.
Abstract:
Polymer materials that are color-matched with non-polymer materials are disclosed. Methods involve incorporating the same type of dyes used to colorize the non-polymer materials within the polymer materials. In some embodiments, a solvent casting process is used, which involves dissolving a polymer material and a dye with a solvent or a combination of solvents forming a dye-polymer mixture. In some embodiments, the dye-polymer mixture is dispensed onto a carrier and the solvent is removed forming a dyed polymer layer that can be applied onto a part as a color veneer. In some embodiments, the dye-polymer mixture is dispensed into mold and the solvent is removed forming a dyed polymer structure that can be used as a stand-alone structure or as part of a larger structure.