Patent ID: 9260783
Filing Date: 2016-02-16
CPC Classification: C23C

Claim Text:
1. A method of depositing metal on at least part of an inner wall surface of a hollow fiber defining a passage in a structure that includes a plurality of such fibers and passages extending in a same general direction, comprising: introducing into and retaining in said plurality of passages substantially simultaneously an electroless plating solution including a mixture of a metal source or compound and a reducing agent at a first temperature, wherein said plating solution is relatively inactive at said first temperature and relatively active above a second, elevated, temperature; allowing said solution to substantially cease flowing within said passages; thereafter heating said structure to at least said second, elevated, temperature while the plating solution is retained in the passage for a period sufficient to cause a metal layer to form on said wall surface; and after the heating of said structure, expelling a spent mixture of the metal source or compound and the reducing agent from the passages by gas pressure.