EP4221991A2

EP4221991A2 - Process for producing a multilayer body, multilayer body, use of a multilayer bod and of a first layer and a second layer of a first metal and a second metal, respectively, and use of a heat-application apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4221991A2
Application number: EP22717573.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sandra Krick Calderón
Original assignee: Leonhard Kurz Stiftung and Co KG
Current assignee: Leonhard Kurz Stiftung and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-04-20
Filing date: 2022-03-22
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Also published as: WO2022223223A2; TW202241721A; CN117015477A; WO2022223223A3; DE102021109967A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing a multilayer body (12), to a multilayer body (12), to the use of a multilayer body (12), to the use of a first layer (1) of a first metal and a second layer (2) of a second metal in a multilayer body (12) and to the use of a heat treatment apparatus (14). The multilayer body (12) comprises a first layer (1) of a first metal and a second layer (2) of a second metal, wherein the first (1) and the second layer (2) are arranged directly atop one another in at least one first region (10), so that in the at least one first region (10) the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) are altered, in particular on account of a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first (1) and the second layer (2) with one another.

Description

Process for producing a multi-layer body, multi-layer body,

Use of a multi-layer body, use of a first layer of a first metal and a second layer of a second metal in a multi-layer body, and use of a heat application device

The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer body, a multi-layer body, the use of a multi-layer body, the use of a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal in a multi-layer body and the use of a heat treatment device. To decorate components and to secure security documents such as banknotes, passports, identity cards, check cards, credit cards, visas or certificates, single-layer or multi-layer structures are often used to achieve a memorable or imitative optical effect. For example, components can be given a metallic appearance by means of a transfer film that contains a metal layer in its transfer layer. Components can also be specifically assigned functions, for example by means of transfer layers, which include electronic components such as touch displays, for example. Furthermore, for example, as Security elements for securing security documents, but also for other decorative purposes, also optically variable interference layer structures are used, which give the viewer different color impressions and thus an optically variable effect when tilted.

Such an interference layer structure is known from WO 2004/016441 A2 and necessarily has a spacer layer which is arranged between a reflection layer and a partially transparent layer in order to produce an optically variable effect by means of interference.

The object of the invention is now to provide a method for producing a multi-layer body and a multi-layer body which is characterized by an improved, preferably novel, optical effect which more preferably differs from the known optical effects described above. In particular, the invention is also based on the task of producing improved, preferably novel, optical effects and/or physical properties of a multi-layer body, preferably by means of a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal.

This object is achieved by a method for producing a multi-layer body, the method comprising the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order: providing a substrate;

depositing a first layer of a first metal on the substrate;

Applying a second layer of a second metal directly to the first layer in at least a first area such that in the at least one first area, the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are changed, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first and second layer with one another.

This object is further achieved by a multi-layer body, in particular produced using a method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal, the first and the second layer being in at least a first Area are arranged directly on top of each other, so that in the at least one first area the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are changed, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first and second layer with one another .

This object is also achieved by using a multi-layer body according to one of claims 17 to 32 as a component, in particular decorative component, preferably for a vehicle, more preferably for a motor vehicle, as packaging material, as a sensor and/or as a security element.

This object is also achieved by using a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal in a multi-layer body to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer in at least a first region by a direct application and/or arrangement of the first layer and the second layer on top of one another in the at least one first area. Furthermore, this object is also achieved by using a heat application device for changing the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of a first layer made of a first metal and/or a second layer made of a second metal of a multi-layer body in at least a first region, the first and the second layer are arranged and/or applied directly one on top of the other in the at least one first region. It has been shown here that the method according to the invention for producing a multi-layer body, the multi-layer body, the use of the multi-layer body, the use of a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal in a multi-layer body and the use according to the invention of a heat application device improved optical

Appearance and / or improved physical properties of the multi-layer body are generated. The improved optical appearance and/or the improved physical properties are characterized by an improved metallic optical effect, which in particular has an improved colour. In particular, this achieves a color that differs from the color of the two metal layers alone or in combination. The color of the first and/or second layer preferably differs from the sum of the individual colors of the first and second layer. The improved physical properties are further characterized in particular by a changed electrical surface conductivity. Furthermore, it is made possible, in addition to the improved metallic optical effect, in particular the improved colourfulness with regard to the other improved physical properties, such as changed electrical surface conductivity, at the same time, so that both the visual appearance and, for example, the electrical surface conductivity of components provided with the multi-layer body can be determined with the multi-layer body. In this way, complex production processes can be simplified and thus a reduction in effort and thus costs can be achieved.

Color or chromaticity or individual color or individual chromaticity is understood to mean a color locus in a color space. In particular, the color space can be the CIELAB color space. The color space can also be the RGB color space (R = Red; G = Green; B = Blue) or the CMYK color space (C = Cyan; M = Magenta; Y = Yellow; K = Black) or color spaces such as RAL, HKS or be the Pantone ^® color space.

A different or differing color is understood to mean a color distance dE between two color locations in a color space. In particular, the color space can be the CIELAB color space. A different color that can be perceived sufficiently well by the human eye has a color difference dE in the CIELAB color space of at least 2, preferably at least 3, particularly preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10.

The color locus, in particular in the CIELAB color space, is usually determined using a color measuring device, for example a “Datacolor 650” spectrophotometer. The value of dE (or Delta E or DE) between the color coordinates (L*,a* b*) _P and (L*,a*,b*) is calculated as a Euclidean distance:

The brightness value L* is perpendicular to the color plane (a* b*). The a coordinate gives the chromaticity and chroma between green and red and the b coordinate gives the chromaticity and chroma between blue and yellow. The larger the positive a and b values and the smaller the negative a and b values, the more intense the hue. If a=0 and b=0, there is an achromatic hue on the lightness axis. Usually, L* can take values between 0 and 100 and a and b can vary between -128 and +127.

Registered or in register or precisely in register or in register or register accuracy is to be understood as meaning a positional accuracy of two or more layers relative to one another. The register accuracy should move within a specified tolerance and be as low as possible. At the same time, the register accuracy of several elements and/or layers to one another is an important feature in order to increase process reliability. The positionally accurate positioning can be carried out in particular by means of sensory, preferably optically detectable fiducial marks or register marks. These registration marks or register marks can either represent special separate elements or areas or layers or themselves be part of the elements or areas or layers to be positioned.

It is also conceivable to provide a method for producing a multi-layer body, the method comprising the following steps, which are carried out in the following order in particular: providing a substrate;

full-area application, in particular vapor deposition, of a first layer made of a first metal onto the substrate; optionally partial application of a barrier layer, preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer; Full-surface application, in particular vapor deposition, of a second layer made of a second metal in such a way that the second layer is in direct contact with the first layer in the areas in which the barrier layer is not present and in the areas in which the barrier layer is present , the first and the second layer are separated from each other by the barrier layer.

It is also conceivable to provide a multi-layer body, the multi-layer body comprising a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal and optionally a partially applied barrier layer, the second layer in the areas in which the barrier layer is not present , is in direct contact with the first layer and in the areas where the barrier layer is present, the first and second layers are separated from one another by the barrier layer.

It is also conceivable to provide a method for producing a multi-layer body, the method comprising the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order: providing a substrate;

depositing a first layer of a first metal on the substrate; Depositing a second layer of a second metal directly onto the first layer in at least a first area.

In particular, a multi-layer body is thus obtained which comprises a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal, the first and the second layer being arranged directly one on top of the other in at least a first region.

Arranged directly or directly on top of one another is understood here to mean that the first and the second layer have direct and/or immediate contact with one another. In other words, no further layer is arranged between the first and the second layer, so that the first and the second layer, in particular in the at least one first region, directly and/or directly adjoin one another or are arranged directly and/or directly one on top of the other.

There is preferably no interference layer structure here, in particular in the at least one first region and/or the at least one second region. In particular, there is no interference layer structure in the first region, in particular comprising a spacer layer which is arranged between a reflection layer and a partially transparent layer. It is also possible in the at least one second area that there is no interference layer structure here, in particular if the barrier layer is applied here in a layer thickness that causes interference effects, in particular for light from the wavelength range of 380 nm to 800 nm, preferably due to non-compliance with the l/2 or l/4 condition, suppressed or prevented. Furthermore, it is possible for the barrier layer in the at least one second region to be opaque or correspondingly slightly transparent or slightly translucent, so that the occurrence of interference is suppressed or prevented also due to the weakening of the radiation when impinging on and/or passing through the barrier layer. It is also fundamentally possible for the first and second layers to already be present in layer thicknesses and/or to have reflectivities such that due to the reflection of the radiation when it impinges on and/or the radiation is weakened when it passes through the first and/or the second layer the occurrence of interference is suppressed or prevented.

In other words, it is preferred if the optical appearance produced by the first and second layer of the multi-layer body is not an optically variable effect that is based in particular on interference.

In this context, area is understood to mean a defined area of a layer or layer that is occupied when viewed perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the multi-layer body. For example, the multi-layer body has at least one area or one or more areas, with the at least one area or each of the areas occupying a defined area when viewed perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the multi-layer body.

It is also preferably conceivable to use a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal in a multi-layer body to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties, in particular the color and/or the electrical surface conductivity, the first and/or or second layer in at least a first area by directly arranging and / or applying the first layer and the second layer on top of each other in the at least one first region.

Furthermore, the use of a vapor deposition device, in particular a vacuum-based vapor deposition device, is preferably conceivable, with the vapor deposition device being used to apply a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal to a substrate in order to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or the second layer is applied in at least one first area by directly applying the first layer and the second layer to one another in the at least one first area.

Advantageously, the vaporization device comprises one or more components selected from: a coating chamber, in particular a recipient, a holder, in particular for receiving the substrate, a gas supply device, at least one evaporator, in particular for evaporating and/or for receiving the first and/or second metal, a vacuum device, in particular for generating a vacuum in the housing by means of a vacuum pump. The evaporator preferably vaporizes the first and/or the second metal, in particular by means of laser beams and/or magnetically deflected ions and/or electrons and/or by arc discharge and/or resistance heating. It is possible here for the holder to be rotatable, in particular in such a way that the substrate is also rotatable, preferably in the coating chamber.

A use of the multi-layer body according to the invention, in particular according to one of claims 17 to 32, as a transfer film is also conceivable, in particular the transfer film having a carrier layer and a comprises a transfer layer that is preferably detachable from the carrier layer, preferably wherein the transfer layer is formed by the multilayer body according to the invention, in particular according to one of claims 17 to 32, and/or the multilayer body according to the invention, in particular according to one of claims 17 to 32.

Next is the use of such a transfer film and / or the multi-layer body according to the invention as a hot stamping film and / or in-mold film, in particular as an in-mold decoration film (IMD film), insert molding film, in-mold labeling foil (IML foil) and/or print mold design foil (PMD foil), conceivable.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

It is advantageous if a mixed layer, in particular comprising the first and the second metal, is/is formed in the at least one first region between the first and second layers, in particular at least partially. In this way, in particular, a coloring of the first and second layer is achieved which advantageously differs from the individual coloring and the sum of the individual coloring of the first and second layer. The sum of the individual colors preferably denotes the state immediately after the vapor deposition or the application of the second metal to the first metal, without a mixed layer, in particular at least one alloy, having formed here. The mixed layer preferably designates the state, spaced in time after the vapor deposition or the application of the second metal to the first metal, in which in particular at least one alloy has formed. It is further preferred if an alloy is/is formed by the first metal and the second metal in the at least one first region and/or in the mixed layer, in particular at least partially. This also achieves in particular a color of the first and second layer which advantageously differs from the individual colors and the sum of the individual colors of the first and second layer.

It is thus possible for the mixed layer to at least partially comprise the first and/or second layer, in particular in such a way that the change in the optical appearance and/or the physical properties in the at least one first area occurs on one and/or both surfaces of the first and / or second layer is present. It is also possible that in the at least one first area the visual appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are changed in such a way that the change in the visual appearance and/or the physical properties in the at least one first area is present on one and/or both surfaces of the first and/or second layer.

It is also possible that in the at least one first area, in particular due to the chemical and/or physical reaction of the first and second layer with one another, the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are changed in such a way/ be that the visual appearance and/or physical properties of the first and/or second layer compared to the visual appearance and/or physical properties Properties of the first and/or second layer alone or in combination are/are changed.

Different or changed in interaction or in combination or in total is understood here, preferably with regard to the visual appearance and in particular the color, that the resulting color is different from the resulting color according to the additive or subtractive color mixture of the colors of the first layer of the first metal and the second layer of the second metal.

In other words, it is advantageous if, in the at least one first area, the optical appearance and/or the physical properties, in particular the color, the reflectivity, the transparency and/or the electrical surface conductivity of the first and/or second layer and/or or the mixed layer are changed in such a way that the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer and/or the mixed layer differ from the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer alone or in distinguish interactions.

It is also expedient if the color and/or the reflectivity and/or the transparency and/or the surface roughness and/or the electrical surface conductivity is/are changed in the at least one first area. In other words, it is expedient if at least one property selected from: color, reflectivity, transparency, surface roughness, electrical surface conductivity is/are changed in the at least one first region. Optical appearance and/or physical properties are preferably understood here as meaning a color, less preferably reflectivity and/or transparency. Physical properties are preferably also understood here to mean electrical surface conductivity.

It is particularly preferred that a color change takes place in the at least one first area, in particular that differs from the color of the first layer made of the first metal and the color of the second layer made of the second metal alone or in combination.

It is thus advantageously possible for the color of the first and second layer to differ from the individual colors and the sum of the individual colors of the first and second layer.

It is preferred if the first and/or the second layer is applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD), preferably thermal vapor deposition, electron beam evaporation, laser beam evaporation (pulsed laser deposition, pulsed laser ablation ), arc evaporation (Arc-PVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), sputtering, more preferably ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD), ion plating and/or ICB technology (ionized duster beam deposition, ICBD).

It is also preferred that the first and the second layer are applied to the entire surface, in particular to the substrate, and/or that the second layer is applied to the first layer over the entire surface. It is also advantageous that the first and/or second layer is applied at a substrate temperature between −50° C. and +30° C., preferably between −30° C. and +30° C., particularly preferably between −10° C. and +10°C and/or that the first and/or second layer is applied at a pressure of between 1×10 ⁶ mbar and 1×10 ³ mbar, preferably between 9×10 ⁵ mbar and 5×10 ⁴ mbar.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first and/or second metal has a melting point of 100.degree. C. to 2000.degree. C., preferably 150.degree. C. to 1100.degree.

These temperatures and/or this pressure are advantageously present in a coating chamber, in particular a recipient, in which the first and/or the second layer are vaporized and/or applied.

It is also possible for the first and/or the second layer to be applied by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and/or metal deposition, in particular electrolytic metal deposition and/or chemical metal deposition.

The chemical and/or physical reaction advantageously includes oxidation, diffusion of the first and second layers into one another and/or an interface reaction.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the first layer made of a first metal and/or the second layer made of a second metal in such a way by means of the parameters temperature, pressure, layer thickness, time and/or oxygen concentration is applied so that the first and second layers react chemically and/or physically in the at least one first area, in particular by means of oxidation, diffusion of the first and second layers into one another and/or an interface reaction, in particular so that the visual appearance and /or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are/are changed. In other words, the conditions for applying the first and/or the second layer, in particular the parameters selected from temperature, pressure, layer thickness, time and/or oxygen concentration, are selected in such a way that the first layer and the second layer are chemically and/or physically , In particular by means of oxidation, a diffusion of the first and second layer into each other and / or an interface reaction.

It is also conceivable that the first metal of the first layer has a lower or higher melting point than the second metal of the second layer.

In the following, particularly preferred configurations of the first and second layers are described, among other things:

The first and/or the second layer is preferably applied in a layer thickness of between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm. It is thus possible for the first and/or the second layer to have a layer thickness of between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm.

It is also possible that the first layer has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.4 and 1.4, and/or that the second Layer has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.3 and 1.3. So it is further expedient that the first layer, in particular after application, has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.4 and 1.4, and/or that the second layer, in particular after the application, has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.3 and 1.3.

Optical Density (OD) is a measure of the attenuation of light after traversing a medium. The optical density (OD) can be determined from the ratio of the incident (Io) and the emitted light (I) and thus from the reciprocal of the transmission (T) as follows: OD = logio (lo/l) = - logio (1 /T).

The optical density (OD) of a metal layer depends in particular not only on the layer thickness used, but also on the metal used, among other things.

It is also advantageous that the mixed layer has a layer thickness of between 2 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 10 nm and 80 nm, more preferably between 20 nm and 60 nm.

Advantageously, the first metal is indium (In), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) and/or the second metal is indium (In) , tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (AI), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu).

The following combinations of metals are more preferably used for the first and second layer and/or for the first and second metal: tin (Sn) and copper (Cu), indium (In) and copper (Cu), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and indium (In), chromium (Cr) and aluminum (Al) or indium (In) and silver (Ag), in particular or vice versa.

It is also possible that the following combination of metals is also used for the first and second layer and/or for the first and second metal: chromium (Cr) and aluminum (Al), in particular or vice versa.

In particular, it is possible here to change the order in which the first layer made of the first metal and the second layer made of the second metal are applied.

Particularly further preferred configurations of the barrier layer are described below, among other things:

It is particularly preferred that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular between the step of applying the first layer and the step of applying the second layer:

Application of a barrier layer, preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer, to the first layer in at least one second area, so that the first layer and the second layer are separated from one another by the barrier layer in the at least one second area.

So it is preferred if the multi-layer body in at least a second region further comprises a barrier layer, preferably a transparent and / or non-metallic barrier layer, which is arranged between the first and the second layer, in particular so that in the at least one second region, the first layer and the second layer are separated from one another by the barrier layer.

It is also possible that a further barrier layer, which is arranged between the first and the second layer in at least one second area, is used, in particular the at least one first area and the at least one second area being arranged next to one another, in particular directly next to one another, so that in the at least one second region the first layer and the second layer are separated from one another by the barrier layer.

The at least one first area and the at least one second area preferably do not overlap. In other words, it is preferred if the at least one first area and the at least one second area are arranged next to one another, in particular directly next to one another.

This makes it possible to produce a metallic optical effect that has a different color, reflectivity, transparency and/or electrical surface conductivity in surface areas. It is thus possible for the multi-layer body to have a reddish-gold to yellow-gold color in the at least one first area and a reddish, in particular copper-colored color in the at least one second area.

In particular, it is possible that in the at least one first area and in the at least one second area there are different colors or colorings, in particular because in the at least one first area due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first and second layers with one another, the visual appearance and / or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are changed. In particular in the second area, on the other hand, the first and the second layer are separated from one another by the barrier layer, so that essentially the inherent color of the second metal is present here, which can optionally be changed by further processes, as explained further below. In particular in the at least one first area, however, there is a color that differs from the color of the metals of the first and second layers alone or in interaction and/or combination.

It is thus possible for the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer to be different in the at least one first and the at least one second region.

In addition, a combination of the first and second layers and/or the first and second metal arranged with an exact register relative to one another is thereby produced. In particular, if the first and/or second layer is applied over the entire surface, the second layer covers both the first layer and the barrier layer, so that a different color or color with respect to the register with respect to one another in the at least one first area and the at least one second area can be generated. If the first and/or the second layer is only applied in certain areas, such a combination that is arranged with exact register to one another is produced at least in the areas in which the first and second layer or the barrier layer overlap.

The at least one second area preferably forms a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid. It is also advantageous if the at least one second area is in the form of a pattern, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, and/or a symbol.

It is preferred if the barrier layer is applied by means of gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing and/or digital printing, in particular by means of ink jet printing or xerography. Individualizations and/or complex patterns can be generated in high resolution through this.

However, it is also possible to vapor-deposit the barrier layer in a vacuum chamber.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the at least one second area is applied, in particular printed, as a full surface or as a decoration (with a full surface and in particular with halftones). In this way, in particular intermediate color tones can be produced, which result from the barrier layer printed in half tones. The intermediate color tones are preferably generated from the colors that result from the first and second layer lying directly on top of one another in the at least one first area and the second layer made of the second metal in the at least one second area.

A halftone is preferably understood here to mean the simulation of a hue or a brightness level using halftone dots, each of which has a uniform color and/or brightness. The size of the grid points is below the resolving power of the eye, in particular below approx. 200 μm. In particular, the number and/or the size of the grid points in a defined surface area determines the color or brightness level that appears for the human eye in this defined area surface area. For example, if black dots are used on a white background, 100% occupancy in the specified area corresponds to raster dots of black color and 0% occupancy in the specified area to raster dots of white color and 50% occupancy in the specified area to raster dots of medium gray color. In particular, depending on the further gradation, further different shades of gray can be simulated for the human eye. In the same way, different gradations between 100% red (= 0% white) and white (= 0% red) can be simulated with halftone dots of the color red on a white background.

Preferably, the barrier layer has solvent-based or water-based components, selected individually or in combination from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy, or mixtures thereof, with crosslinking components, individually or in combination selected from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine, UV-curable substances, can be crosslinkable.

It is also preferred if the barrier layer has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 7.5 μm, more preferably between 1 μm and 5 μm.

It is also possible that the barrier layer is colored, in particular that the barrier layer is colored by means of dyes and/or color pigments, and/or that the degree of pigmentation of the barrier layer is between 1% and 50%, preferably between 2.5% and 15% . It is also conceivable that the barrier layer is colored or filled with pigments, dyes, opacifiers, fillers. Through this, it is possible to create a transparent, colored or translucent or opaque optical impression for the barrier layer. A diffusely reflecting metal surface can be produced in particular by means of fillers. For example, it is possible to produce a white or black barrier layer.

Transparent is preferably understood to mean that the respective layer has a transmission of visible light, preferably from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of more than 50%, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 85%, even more preferably of more than 90%.

Opaque is preferably understood to mean that the respective layer has a transmission of visible light, preferably from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of less than 50%, in particular less than 20%, preferably less than 5%.

The barrier layer is preferably physically drying or radiation-curable, in particular using light from the wavelength range between 100 nm and 380 nm. It is thus possible for the barrier layer to be curable using ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation, UV light). Furthermore, it is also possible for the barrier layer to be curable by means of electron beams and/or for the barrier layer to have or comprise one or more thermoplastics.

It is also expedient if the barrier layer is in particular additionally chemically crosslinked, for example by individual crosslinking components or in combination selected from: isocyanates, melamines, amines, carbodiimides, aziridines.

It is also possible for the barrier layer to have one or more layers. It is thus possible for the barrier layer to comprise a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, in particular which are arranged one on top of the other.

It is also possible that the barrier layer comprises a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, in particular arranged next to one another. It is thus possible for a second barrier layer to be arranged next to a first barrier layer. The first and the second barrier layer are preferably arranged according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid. Further barrier layers are also conceivable, which are arranged next to one another or on top of one another. Such barrier layers are preferably colored differently by means of dyes and/or color pigments. However, it is also possible that the at least one second area in which a first barrier layer is applied, the at least one second area in which a second barrier layer is applied forms different patterns, characters, in particular alphanumeric characters, and/or a symbol.

It is also advantageous that the electrical surface resistance of the first and/or second layer is different in the at least one first and the at least one second region, in particular that the electrical surface resistance between the at least one first region and the at least one second region changes at least a factor of 10, preferably a factor of 15, more preferably a factor of 20. Flierdurch it is possible to target the surface resistance in the at least adjust a first and the at least one second area. Such surface resistances that differ in certain areas are preferably used in microelectronics, sensor technology and/or in the case of flexible conductor tracks.

In the following, among other things, an application of heat to the multi-layer body is described in particular:

It is further preferred if the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular after the step of applying the second layer:

Subjecting the multi-layer body, in particular the first and/or the second layer, to heat, in particular so that the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer are further improved in the at least one first and/or the at least one second region to be changed.

This makes it possible to further change or adjust the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer made of a first metal and/or the second layer made of a second metal of the multi-layer body. For example, it is possible to further change the color in the at least one first and/or second area. For example, the color in the at least one first area can be further changed from red gold to yellow gold to gold to bronze, in particular as a function of the temperature or the duration of the heat application. The change in color can also be understood using the color difference dE, in particular in relation to the individually present metals towards two, in particular directly, vapor-deposited or applied metals for the above-mentioned at least one first area, in particular with dE greater than 5, preferably with dE greater than 10, particularly preferably dE greater than 15.

So it is possible that the color level dE between the color of the first and the second layer and/or the first and the second metal alone, in particular present individually, and the color of the first and second layer and/or the first and second metal , which are applied and/or arranged directly on top of one another in the at least one first region, differ by more than 5, preferably by more than 10, more preferably by more than 15.

It is also preferred that the color difference dE based on the individually present first and second metals, in particular of the first and second layer, or the individually present first and second layer, towards the first and second metals applied directly to one another in the at least one first area Metal or the first and second layer directly adjacent to one another is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, particularly preferably greater than 15. It is therefore expedient that the color distance dE based on the individually present first and second layer, preferably made of the first and second metal, towards the first and second layer applied directly, preferably one on top of the other, in the at least one first area, more preferably from the first and second metal, is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 15. In other words, it is advantageously possible for the color difference between the individually present first layer made of a first metal and the second layer made of a second metal and the first and second layers and/or layers applied and/or arranged directly on top of one another in the at least one first region to be or the first and second metal applied and/or arranged directly on top of one another, is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, particularly preferably greater than 15.

So it is expedient that the color distance dE based on the individually present first layer made of a first metal and the individually present second layer made of the second metal towards the first layer made of the first metal and second Layer of the second metal, in particular which, as set out above, interact with it and are advantageously not present individually, is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, particularly preferably greater than 15.

Heat is preferably applied to the multi-layer body, in particular to the first and/or the second layer, by means of a heat application device.

It is thus possible for the multi-layer body to be subjected to heat by means of a heat application device, in particular comprising a laser, a drying cabinet, a heating roller and/or an infrared radiator. It is expedient here if the heat application device comprises one or more components selected from a conveyor belt, conveyor rollers, laser, drying cabinet, heating roller and/or infrared radiator.

It is also possible that the heat application device is further used to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer made of a first metal and/or the second layer made of a second metal of the multi-layer body in at least one second area, wherein in the at least A barrier layer is arranged in a second area between the first and the second layer, in particular so that in the at least one second area the first layer and the second layer are separated from one another by the barrier layer. This makes it possible to further change or adjust the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer made of a first metal and/or the second layer made of a second metal of the multi-layer body in the at least one second region.

The electrical surface resistance of the first and/or second layer is preferably increased by a factor of 15 in the at least one first area, preferably by a factor of 20, more preferably by a factor of 22, and/or by a factor of 2.5 in the at least one second area , preferably by a factor of 5, more preferably by a factor of 10. This makes it possible to adjust the surface resistance in a targeted manner in the at least one first area and the at least one second area.

It is also expedient if the electrical surface resistance of the first and/or second layer in the at least one first and the at least one second region is increased by the action of the multilayer body with heat in the at least one first area by a factor of 15, preferably a factor of 20, more preferably a factor of 22, and/or in the at least one second area by a factor of 2.5, preferably a factor of 5, more preferably the factor 10, is increased.

It is advantageous that the multi-layer body is exposed to heat at a temperature between 80 °C and 250 °C, preferably between 160 °C and 230 °C, and/or that the multi-layer body is exposed to heat for a period between 0.5 min and 120 min, preferably 1 min and 3 min, and/or that the multi-layer body when the multi-layer body is subjected to heat at a speed of between 1 m/min and 40 m/min, preferably between 1 m/min and 3 m/min, is moved. By selecting these parameters, it is possible to specifically change the visual appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer and/or the multi-layer body as a function of these parameters.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular during and/or after the step of applying the first and/or second layer:

Subjecting the multi-layer body, in particular the first and/or the second layer, to oxygen and/or hydrogen, in particular gaseous oxygen and/or hydrogen.

It is possible to effect a further color change, in particular of the first and/or the second layer and/or the multi-layer body, preferably by flow, in particular by exposure to oxygen to generate subsequent oxidation. It is also possible in this way to reduce a passivation layer, preferably by subsequent reduction, in particular by exposure to hydrogen.

In the following, among other things, further configurations of the multi-layer body are described in particular:

It is also expedient that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out before the step of applying the first layer and/or after the step of applying the second layer:

Application of one or more layers, in particular to the substrate and/or the second layer, selected from the group: protective layer, release layer, colored layer, flattening layer, decorative layer, adhesive layer.

It is thus possible for the multi-layer body to further comprise one or more layers selected from the group: protective layer, release layer, colored layer, flattening layer, decorative layer, adhesive layer.

One or more of these layers are preferably arranged between the substrate and the first layer and/or on that side of the second layer which is remote from the first layer.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular after the step of applying the first layer and/or after the step of applying the second layer:

At least regional removal of the first and/or second layer. It is thus possible for the first and/or second layer to be removed at least in regions. The first and/or second layer is preferably removed at least in regions by demetallization methods known per se, for example by means of an etching method with etching resist partially applied to the metal layer and/or an exposure method, in particular a mask exposure method with partially exposed, developed and etched photoresist and/or one using a lift-off process with wash paint applied partially under the metal layer. However, it is also possible to remove the first and/or second layer in some areas only in those areas that have a relief structure or only in those areas that do not have a relief structure or, if different relief structures are present in different areas, to remove the first and/or or to remove the second layer only in those areas with one of the two different relief structures. For example, demetallization methods can also be used for this purpose, as described in particular in WO 2006084686 A2, in which, due to a relief structure configured differently in some areas, a different exposure of a photosensitive layer or washing mask takes place corresponding to the areas of the relief structure, and as a result the metal layer is removed in areas or retained in areas according to the different exposure.

It is further preferred if the substrate is or comprises a carrier layer. The carrier layer is preferably made of ABS (=acrylonitrile butadiene styrene),

ABS/PC, PET (=polyethylene terephthalate), PC (=polycarbonate), PMMA (=polymethyl methacrylate), PE (=polyethylene), PP (=polypropylene) and/or PPP (=polyetherpolycarbonate polyols). The layer thickness of the carrier layer is advantageously between 5 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 6 μm and 100 μm.

At least the first and second layers preferably form a transfer layer which can be transferred to a target substrate. It is furthermore also possible for the transfer layer to comprise further layers, preferably selected from: a protective layer, a decorative layer, a colored layer and/or an adhesive layer.

Thus, a detachment layer is advantageously arranged between the carrier layer and the transfer layer, in particular between the carrier layer and the first layer, which in particular enables the transfer layer to be detached from the carrier layer.

The detachment layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.01 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.1 μm and 5 μm, and/or consists of waxes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose derivatives and/or poly (organo)siloxanes.

It is thus also possible for the multi-layer body to form or be a transfer film, in particular with the transfer film comprising a carrier layer and a transfer layer which can preferably be detached from the carrier layer.

Here it is possible that the transfer layer of the invention Multi-layer body is formed and / or comprises the multi-layer body according to the invention.

Advantageously, such a transfer film and/or the multilayer body is used as a hot stamping film and/or in-mold film, in particular as an in-mold decoration film (IMD film), insert molding film, in-mold labeling film ( IML film) and/or Print Mold Design film (PMD film).

The protective layer is advantageously one or more layers, the layer thickness of a protective layer being in particular between 1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 2 μm and 8 μm, and/or which individually or in combination have: isocyanate groups with flydroxyl groups, Melamine resins with hydroxyl groups, polyisocyanates with hydroxyl-containing polymers, melamine resins with hydroxyl-containing polymers.

It is also possible for the one or more protective layers to have components selected individually or in combination from: solvent-based or water-based polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or Mixtures thereof which can be crosslinkable with crosslinking components, selected individually or in combination from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine UV-curable substances.

The one or more protective layers are preferably transparent and/or exhibit transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm to 780 nm, at least 25%, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 85%.

It is also possible that the one or more protective layers are colored, in particular that the one or more protective layers are colored by means of dyes and/or pigments, and/or that the degree of pigmentation of the one or more protective layers is less than 15%, preferably less than 10 %, more preferably less than 5%. It is also possible for the one or more protective layers to be colorless and/or for the degree of pigmentation of the one or more protective layers to be 0%. It is thus possible for the one or more protective layers to be or form a clear coat layer, in particular an unpigmented one

The decorative layer is preferably a single- or multi-layer layer, in particular one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent layers selected individually or in combination from: colored lacquer layers, clear lacquer layers, replication lacquer layers, metal layers, optically variable layers, layers with high refractive index (FIRI layers), barrier layers, flattening layers, adhesive layers, release layers.

It is expedient here if the decorative layer is designed in one or more layers. It is thus possible, for example, for the decorative layer to comprise one or more colored lacquer layers which are shaped in such a way that they form a decorative colored pattern or element when they interact. It is also possible for the decorative layer to be formed over the entire surface or in the form of a pattern, for example in the form of alphanumeric characters, patterns, symbols or motifs. It is also expedient if the decorative layer has further optically variable layers, for example with pigments, holograms, optical diffraction structures, lenses, prisms, interference layer structures or crosslinked liquid crystals. It is advantageous if the decorative layer has at least one layer with a decorative effect.

The layer thickness of the decorative layer is preferably between 0.1 μm and 15 μm, more preferably between 0.5 μm and 3 μm.

The colored layer is preferably a lacquer layer that is colored by means of dyes and/or pigments. Preferably, the color layer is a layer of solvent- or water-based components, individually or in combination, selected from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy or mixtures thereof, with Crosslinking components, selected individually or in combination from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine UV-curable substances, can be crosslinked and which more preferably have a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 10 μm , more preferably between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The adhesion promoter layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 6 μm, more preferably between 1 μm and 3 μm. It is advantageous here if the adhesion promoter layer is a layer of solvent-based and/or water-based components, selected individually or in combination from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy or mixtures thereof, which can be crosslinked with crosslinking components, individually or in combination, selected from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine UV-curable substances be able.

The adhesive layer is preferably a layer comprising solvent-based and/or water-based components, individually or in combination, selected from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy or mixtures thereof Which can be crosslinkable with crosslinking components, individually or in combination selected from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine, UV-curable substances, and the adhesive layer has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.3 μm and 4 pm, more preferably between 0.5 pm and 3 pm.

It is possible for the multi-layer body to have the following layer structure:

- backing layer;

- optional release layer;

- optionally one or more protective layers;

- first layer of a first metal;

- optional partial barrier layer;

- second layer of a second metal;

- Glue layer.

With regard to the possible configuration of the layers, reference is made here to the statements above. It is also possible here that the multi-layer body also has at least one decorative layer, in particular the at least regionally between the optional one or more protective layers and the first layer and/or between the first and the second layer and/or the second layer and the adhesive layer. In connection with the method for producing a

Multi-layer body described features, effects and advantages can be analogous to the multi-layer body, the use of a multi-layer body, the use of a first layer of a first metal and a second layer of a second metal in a multi-layer body and the use of a

Heat application device are transferred and are therefore considered disclosed with. The same applies in the opposite direction: features, effects and advantages described in connection with the multi-layer body, the use of a multi-layer body, the use of a first layer made of a first metal and a second layer made of a second metal in a multi-layer body and the use of a heat application device are also applicable to the method for producing a multi-layer body and are considered to be disclosed as well.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with the aid of the attached figures, which are not true to scale.

1a to 1c schematically show a method for producing a multi-layer body

Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c show schematically a method for Flerstellen a

Multi-layer body Fig. 3a to Fig. 3d schematically show a method for producing a multi-layer body

4 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a multi-layer body

5 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a multi-layer body

6 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a multi-layer body

7a to 7c schematically show a method for applying heat to a multi-layer body. FIGS. 1a to 1c schematically show a method for preparing a multi-layer body 12. As shown in FIG. 1a, a substrate 3 is first provided. As shown in Fig. 1a, the substrate 3 already comprises a carrier layer 5, a release layer 6 and a protective layer 7.

However, it is also possible for the substrate 3 to be the carrier layer 5 and for the layers 6 and 7 to be applied in previous steps, for example by means of printing, so that the substrate 3 shown in FIG. 1a is obtained.

The carrier layer 5 is preferably a layer made of ABS (=acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ABS/PC, PET (=polyethylene terephthalate), PC (=polycarbonate), PMMA (=polymethyl methacrylate), PE (=polyethylene), PP (= polypropylene) and/or PPP (= polyether polycarbonate polyols). The layer thickness of the carrier layer 5 is advantageously between 5 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 6 μm and 100 μm. The carrier layer 5 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c is, for example, a layer made of PET with a layer thickness of 75 μm.

The protective layer 7 is advantageously one or more layers, in particular which have a layer thickness between 1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 2 μm and 8 μm, and/or which have isocyanate groups with flydroxyl groups, melamine resins with hydroxyl groups, polyisocyanates with hydroxyl-containing polymers or have melamine resins with hydroxyl-containing polymers. It is also possible for the one or more protective layers to have solvent-based or water-based components, selected individually or in combination from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or mixtures thereof, and selected with crosslinking components, individually or in combination from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine, UV-curable substances, can be crosslinkable. The protective layer 7 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c is, for example, a layer comprising polyisocyanates with hydroxyl-containing polymers with a layer thickness of 5 μm.

The detachment layer 6 preferably has a layer thickness between 0.01 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.1 μm and 5 μm, and/or consists of waxes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose derivatives and/or poly(organo)siloxanes. The detachment layer 6 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c is, for example, a wax layer with a layer thickness of 1 μm.

As shown in FIG. 1b, a first layer 1 made of a first metal is applied to the substrate 3. FIG. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 1c, a second layer 2 of a second metal is applied directly to the first layer in at least one first area 10, so that in the at least one first area 10 the visual appearance and/or the physical properties of the first 1 and/or second layer 2, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first 1 and the second layer 2 with one another.

As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the method for producing a multi-layer body 12 comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order:

providing a substrate 3;

depositing a first layer 1 of a first metal on the substrate 3; Application of a second layer 2 made of a second metal directly onto the first layer 1 in at least one first area 10, so that in the at least one first area 10 the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first 1 and/or second layer 2, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 with one another.

The multi-layer body 12 shown in Fig. 1c is thus obtained, the multi-layer body 12 having a first layer 1 made of a first metal and a second layer 2 made of a second metal, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 being in at least a first region 10 are arranged directly one on top of the other, so that in the at least one first area 10 the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first 1 and/or second layer 2, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first 1 and the second layer 2 with each other, are changed.

It is preferred that the first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2 is applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD), preferably thermal vapor deposition, electron beam evaporation, pulsed laser deposition (pulsed laser ablation), arc evaporation (Arc-PVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), sputtering, more preferably ion beam assisted deposition (ion beam assisted deposition, IBAD), ion plating and/or ICB technology (ionized duster beam deposition, ICBD).

It is also preferred that the first layer 1 and the second layer 2, as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, are applied over the entire surface, in particular to the substrate 3 and/or the first layer 1.

It is also advantageous that the application of the first layer 1 and / or second layer 2 at a substrate temperature between -50 ° C and +50 ° C, preferably between -30 ° C and +30 ° C, particularly preferably between -10 ° C and +10 ° C and / or that the application of the first layer 1 and / or second layer 2 at a pressure between 1 * 10 ^-6 mbar and 1 * 10 ^-3 mbar, preferably between 9 * 10 ⁵ mbar and 5*10 ⁴ mbar

This temperature and/or this pressure is advantageously present in a coating chamber, in particular in a recipient, in which the first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2 are vaporized and/or applied.

The chemical and/or physical reaction advantageously includes oxidation, diffusion of the first layer 1 and second layer 2 into one another and/or an interface reaction. Furthermore, it is preferred if the first layer 1 made of a first metal and/or the second layer 2 made of a second metal is applied by means of the parameters temperature, pressure, layer thickness, time and/or oxygen concentration such that the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 react chemically and/or physically in the at least one first region 10, in particular by means of oxidation, diffusion of the first and second layers 2 into one another and/or an interface reaction, in particular so that the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 are/are changed. In other words, the conditions for applying the first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2, in particular the parameters selected from temperature, pressure, layer thickness, time and/or oxygen concentration, are selected in such a way that the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 react chemically and/or physically, in particular by means of oxidation, diffusion of the first layer 1 and second layer 2 into one another and/or an interface reaction.

The first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2 is preferably applied in a layer thickness between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm.

It is also expedient that the first layer 1, in particular after application, has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.4 and 1.4, and/or that the second layer 2 in particular after application, has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.3 and 1.3. The first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2 is preferably applied in a layer thickness between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm. It is thus possible for the first and/or the second layer to have a layer thickness of between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm.

Advantageously, the first metal is indium (In), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) and/or the second metal is indium (In ), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (AI), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu).

The following combinations of metals are more preferably used for the first layer 1 and second layer 2 or for the first and second metal: tin (Sn) and copper (Cu), indium (In) and copper (Cu), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and indium (In), chromium (Cr) and aluminum (Al) or indium (In) and silver (Ag), in particular or vice versa.

It is further preferred here if an alloy is formed by the first metal and the second metal in the at least one first region, in particular at least partially.

The first layer 1 shown in Figures 1b and 1c is a layer of tin (Sn) and has an optical density of 0.7. The second shown in Fig. 1c Layer 2 is a layer of copper (Cu) and has an optical density of 0.3. It is conceivable here that the first metal, here tin (Sn) and the second metal, here copper (Cu), preferably form a mixed layer and/or at least partially a bronze (Sn-Cu) alloy. The layers shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c are applied by means of vapor deposition, as explained above.

For tin (Sn) there is an L*a*b* value of L=76.95 for the above optical density and as a single metal layer; a=-2.76; b= 0.24 and for copper (Cu) there is an L*a*b* value of L=79.68 for the above optical density and as a single metal layer; a=6.04; b=16.44, as can be seen from Table 1.

(Table 1) The multi-layer body 4 shown in Fig. 1 c here comprises the two metals tin (Sn) and copper (Cu) in the layers 1 and 2, resulting in a red-gold to yellow-gold color, in particular which differs from the sum of the Intrinsic color of tin (Sn) and (Cu). For copper (Cu) vapour-deposited on tin (Sn) there is an L*a*b* value of L=70.51 for the above-mentioned optical densities as metal layers vapour-deposited on top of one another and immediately after the vapour-deposition; a=1.2; b=11.42 before. Table 2 lists the respective color differences as an example. The color difference is calculated according to the following formula for dE:

The color difference from tin (Sn), as a single metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, is dE=13.49, as listed in Table 2. The color difference from copper (Cu), as an individual metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, is dE=11.52 here, as also listed in Table 2, by way of example.

As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, a first layer 1 made of a first metal and a second layer 2 made of a second metal are therefore used to create in a multi-layer body 12 the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 in at least one first area 10 by directly applying and/or arranging the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 on top of one another in the at least one first area 10.

Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c schematically show a method for the production of a multi-layer body 12.

The method shown in Figs. 2a to 2c corresponds to the method shown in Figs. 1a to 1c with the difference, as shown in Fig. 2c, that in the at least one first region 10 between the first layer 1 and second layer 2, a mixed layer 4, in particular comprising the first and the second metal, is formed. It is further possible that an alloy is formed, in particular at least partially, by the first metal and the second metal in the at least one first region 10 in the mixed layer.

The mixed layer 4 shown in FIG. 2c here comprises the two metals tin (Sn) and copper (Cu), resulting in a reddish-gold to yellow-gold color, in particular which differs from the sum of the inherent color of tin (Sn) and (Cu). .

The mixed layer 4 forms in particular after heat conditioning. For example, after heat conditioning at 180°C, an L*a*b* value of L=65.84; α=0.6; b=31.15 and after a heat conditioning of 200°C an L*a*b* value of L=60.9; a=4.64; b=44.26 measurable (see Table 1). The heat conditioning at 180°C and at 200°C here refer to two separate material samples.

The color difference from tin (Sn), as a single metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, and after heat conditioning at 180°C, is dE = 33.02, as in Table 2 listed.

The color difference from copper (Cu), as a single metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, and after heat conditioning at 180°C, is dE = 20.92, as also in the table 2 listed.

The color difference from tin (Sn), as a single metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, and after a Heat conditioning of 200°C, here is dE = 47.43 as an example, as further listed in Table 2.

The color difference from copper (Cu), as an individual metal layer, to copper (Cu) vapor-deposited on tin (Sn), as a multi-layer body, and after heat conditioning at 200°C, is dE = 33.59 here as an example, as also in Table 2 listed.

(Table 2)

Fig. 3a to Fig. 3d schematically show a method for the production of a multi-layer body 12.

The method shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d corresponds to the method shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c or to the method shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c with the

Difference that as shown in Fig. 3c, between the step of applying the first layer 1 and the step of applying the second layer 2, a barrier layer 8, preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer 8, in at least a second region 11 on the first layer 1 is applied, in particular so that in the at least one second

Region 11, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are separated from one another by the barrier layer 8. In this way, a multi-layer body 12 is obtained which, in at least a second region 11, further comprises a barrier layer 8, preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer 8, which is arranged between the first layer 1 and the second layer 2, in particular so that in the in at least a second region 11, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are separated from one another by the barrier layer 8.

As shown in Figures 3c and 3d, the at least one first region 10 and the at least one second region 11 preferably do not overlap, but rather are arranged directly next to one another. In other words, it is possible, in particular, for the at least one first region 10 to be designed to complement the at least one second region 11 . The at least one second region 11 preferably forms a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one second region 11 is designed in the form of a pattern, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, and/or a symbol.

It is preferred if the barrier layer 8 is applied by means of intaglio printing, screen printing, flexographic printing and/or digital printing, in particular by means of ink jet printing or xerography, in particular in the decoration. However, it is also possible to vapor-deposit the barrier layer in a vacuum chamber. The barrier layer 8 preferably has solvent-based or water-based components, selected individually or in combination from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxide or mixtures thereof, with crosslinking components, individually or in Combination selected from: isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine, UV-curable substances, can be crosslinkable and/or has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 7.5 μm preferably between 1 pm and 5 pm.

The barrier layer 8 shown in FIG. 3d is a barrier layer 8 applied by means of gravure printing, in particular in the decoration, made of a carbodiimide-crosslinked, aqueous polyurethane dispersion which, in particular after curing, has a layer thickness of 1.5 μm.

As shown in FIG. 3d and explained in FIGS , i.e. without any intermediate layer, on top of the first layer 1.

As further shown in FIG. 3d, the copper (Cu) of the second layer 2 now lies directly on the tin (Sn) of the first layer 1 in the at least one first region 10 and the copper ( Cu) on the barrier layer 8. A red-gold to yellow-gold color can be seen in the at least one first area 10 and a reddish “copper-colored” inherent color of the copper can be seen in the at least one second area. Thus, in the at least one first area and the at least one second area, there are also different physical properties, here in the form of different color impressions. Furthermore, there are also different surface resistances in the at least one first area and the at least one second area. Thus, in the multi-layer body shown in FIG. 3d, there is a surface resistance of 5 Ωm in the at least one first region 10 and a surface resistance of 100 Ωm in the at least one second region 11. The surface resistances were determined with the Loresta-GP MCP-T610 device using the 4-pole method (MCP-TP03P measuring head). It is advantageous that the electrical surface resistance of the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 is different in the at least one first region 10 and the at least one second region 11, in particular that the electrical surface resistance between the at least one first region 10 and differs from the at least one second region 11 by at least a factor of 10, preferably a factor of 15, more preferably a factor of 20.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of a multi-layer body 12. The multi-layer body 12 shown in Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the multi-layer body 12 shown in Fig. 1c. The multi-layer body 12 thus comprises a first layer 1 made of a first metal and a second layer 2 made of a second metal, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 being arranged directly one on top of the other in at least one first region 10, so that in the at least one first region 10 the optical

Appearance and/or the physical properties of the first and/or second layer 2, in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first 1 and the second 2 layer with one another, are changed. In contrast to the multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 1c, the first layer 1 of the multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 4 consists of chromium (Cr) and has an optical density OD of 1.13. Likewise in contrast to the multilayer body 12 shown in FIG. 1c, the second layer 2 of the multilayer body 12 shown in FIG. 4 consists of aluminum (Al) and has an optical density OD of 1.35. As shown in FIG. 4, both layers 1 and 2 are applied over the entire surface.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a sectional view of a multi-layer body 12.

The multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG.

The multi-layer body 12 shown in Fig. 5 therefore comprises a first layer 1 made of a first metal and a second layer 2 made of a second metal and a partially applied barrier layer 8, the second layer 2 in the areas where the barrier layer is not present , is in direct contact with the first layer 1 and in the areas in which the barrier layer 8 is present, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are separated from one another by the barrier layer 8 .

It is also possible that the barrier layer 8 is colored, in particular that the barrier layer is colored by means of dyes and/or pigments, and/or that the degree of pigmentation of the barrier layer 8 is between 1% and 50%, preferably between 2.5% and 15%. , amounts to. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the barrier layer 8 is colored or filled with pigments, dyes, opacifiers, fillers. This makes it possible for the barrier layer 8 to produce a transparent, colored, translucent or opaque optical impression. A diffusely reflecting metal surface can be produced in particular by means of fillers. For example, it is possible to produce a white or black barrier layer 8 .

The barrier layer 8 is preferably physically drying or radiation-curable, in particular using light from the wavelength range between 100 nm and 380 nm. It is thus possible for the barrier layer 8 to be curable using ultraviolet radiation or UV light. Furthermore, it is also possible for the barrier layer 8 to be curable by means of electron beams and/or for the barrier layer to have or comprise one or more thermoplastics.

There is preferably no interference layer structure here, in particular in the at least one first region 10 and/or the at least one second region 11 . Thus, in particular in the first region 10, there is no interference layer structure, in particular comprising a spacer layer which is arranged between a reflection layer and a partially transparent layer. In the at least one second region 11, too, it is possible that there is no interference layer structure, in particular if the barrier layer 8 is applied here in a layer thickness that favors interference effects, in particular for light from the wavelength range of 380 nm to 800 nm, due to which no Fulfillment of the l/2 or l/4 condition suppressed or prevented. Furthermore, it is possible for the barrier layer 8 to be opaque in the at least one second region 11 design, so that this also suppresses or prevents the occurrence of interference. It is also fundamentally possible for the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 to already be present in layer thicknesses and/or to have reflectivities such that the occurrence of interference is already suppressed or prevented as a result.

In other words, it is preferred if the optical appearance produced by the first layer 1 and second layer 2 of the multi-layer body 12 is not an optically variable effect that is based in particular on interference.

As shown in FIG. 5, both the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are applied over the entire surface.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a sectional view of a multi-layer body 12.

The multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 5 with the difference that the first layer 1 and second layer 2 have been removed at least in regions.

The first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 is preferably removed at least in regions by demetallization, for example by means of an etching process with etching resist partially applied to the metal layer and/or an exposure process, in particular a mask exposure process with partially exposed, developed and etched photoresist and/or or by means of a lift-off process with washing ink applied partially under the metal layer. However, it is also possible to use the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 in some areas only in those to remove areas that have a relief structure or only in those areas that have no relief structure or, if different relief structures are present in different areas, only remove the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 in those areas with one of the two different relief structures remove.

FIGS. 7a to 7c schematically show a method for applying heat to a multi-layer body 12 .

As shown in Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b, it is also possible to apply heat to the multi-layer body 12, in particular the first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2, in particular so that in the at least one first region 10 and/or or the at least one second region 11 the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer

I and / or second layer 2 can be changed further.

The multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG. 7a is the multi-layer body 12 already shown in FIG. 3d or FIG. 5. As shown in FIG C applied, so that in the at least one first area 10 a discoloration from red gold to yellow gold to gold to bronze takes place, which further intensifies by further heat supply for 6 min at 200 ° C. In addition to the color change, there is a reduction in gloss, particularly in the form of a matt effect. Furthermore, there are changes in the at least one first area 10 and the at least one second area

II also the surface resistances further. Thus, in the multi-layer body 12 shown in FIG at least one second area has a surface resistance of more than 1000 Ωm.

Thus, the electrical surface resistance of the first layer 1 and/or second layer 2 is preferably increased by a factor of 15 in the at least one first area 10, preferably by a factor of 20, more preferably by a factor of 22, and/or in the at least one second area by increased by a factor of 2.5, preferably a factor of 5, more preferably a factor of 10.

It is advantageous that the multi-layer body 12 is exposed to heat at a temperature between 80 °C and 250 °C, preferably between 160 °C and 230 °C, and/or that the multi-layer body 12 is exposed to heat for the Duration between 0.5 min and 120 min, preferably 1 min and 3 min takes place.

For the further loading of the multi-layer body 12, multi-layer bodies are preferably used whose first layer 1 and second layer 2 have the following combinations of metals: tin (Sn) and copper (Cu), indium (In) and copper (Cu), silver (Ag ) and copper (Cu), aluminum (AI) and copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and indium (In), chromium (Cr) and aluminum (AI) or indium (In) and silver (Ag), in particular or vice versa .

The application of heat to the multi-layer body 12, in particular the first layer 1 and/or the second layer 2, preferably takes place by means of a heat application device 14, as shown in FIG. 7c. The heat application device 14 preferably comprises a laser, a drying cabinet, a heated roller and/or an infrared radiator. As shown in FIG. 7c, the heat application device 14 comprises one or more components selected from the conveyor belt 13a, conveyor rollers 13b, laser, drying cabinet, heating roller and/or infrared radiator 13c.

In the heat application device 14 shown in FIG. 7c, a multilayer body 12 located on the conveyor belt 13a is preferably moved at a speed of between 1 m/min and 40 m/min by the infrared radiator 13c to apply heat to the multilayer body 12. The conveyor belt 13a is in this case driven, for example, by means of the transport rollers 13b.

Thus, using a heat application device 14 to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of a first layer 1 made of a first metal and/or a second layer 2 made of a second metal of a multi-layer body 12 in at least a first region 10, the first Layer 1 and the second layer 2 are arranged directly one on top of the other in the at least one first region 10, as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c.

With the heat application device 14 shown in Fig. 7c, a further change in the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first layer 1 made of a first metal and/or the second layer 2 made of a second metal of the multi-layer body 12 is thus possible in at least a second region 11 is possible, with a barrier layer 8 being arranged in the at least one second region 11 between the first layer 1 and the second layer 2, in particular so that in the at least one second region 11 the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are protected by the barrier layer 8 are separated from each other. It is also possible to subject the multi-layer body 12 to heat in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 200°C. For this purpose, the drying cabinet has several heating elements, for example in the form of heating coils.

reference list

1 first layer of a first metal 2 second layer of a second metal

3 substrate

4 mixed layer

5 backing layer

6 release layer 7 protective layer

8 barrier layer 9 adhesive layer 9 base body

10, 11 regions 12 multi-layer bodies

13a Conveyor belt 13b Conveyor rollers 13c Laser, drying cabinet, heating roller and/or infrared radiator 14 Heat application device

Claims

Expectations

1. A method for producing a multi-layer body (12), the method comprising the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order:

providing a substrate (3);

Application of a first layer (1) made of a first metal to the substrate (3);

Application of a second layer (2) made of a second metal directly onto the first layer (1) in at least one first area (10), so that in the at least one first area (10) the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2), in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first (1) and second layer (2) with one another.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the at least one first region (10) between the first (1) and second layer (2), in particular at least partially, a mixed layer (4), in particular comprising the first and the second metal, is formed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an alloy is formed by the first metal and the second metal in the at least one first region (10) and/or in the mixed layer (4), in particular at least partially .

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application of the first (1) and / or the second layer (2) by physical vapor deposition (engl physical vapor deposition, PVD), preferably thermal vapor deposition, electron beam evaporation (engl electron beam evaporation), laser beam evaporation (pulsed laser deposition, pulsed laser ablation), arc evaporation (Arc-PVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), sputtering, more preferably ion beam assisted deposition (ion beam assisted deposition, IBAD), ion plating and/or ICB technology (ionized duster beam deposition, ICBD).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the application of the first (1) and / or second layer (2) at a substrate temperature between -50 ° C and +50 ° C, preferably between -30 ° C and +30 ° C, particularly preferably between -10°C and +10°C, and/or that the application of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) at a pressure between 1x10 ⁶ mbar and 1x10 ³ mbar, preferably between 9x10 ⁵ mbar and 5x10 ⁴ mbar.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (1) and / or the second layer (2) in a layer thickness between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm, more preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular between the step of applying the first layer (1) and the step of applying the second layer (2):

Application of a barrier layer (8), preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer (8), in at least one second area (11) on the first layer (1), in particular so that in the at least one second area (11) the first layer (1) and the second layer (2) are separated from one another by the barrier layer (8).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the barrier layer (8) is applied by means of gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing and/or digital printing, in particular by means of ink jet printing or xerography.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out before the step of applying the first layer (1) and / or after the step of applying the second layer (2):

Application of one or more layers (6, 7, 9), in particular to the substrate (3) and/or the second layer (2), selected from the group: protective layer (7), release layer (6), color layer, adhesion promoter layer, decorative layer , and/or adhesive layer (9).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (1) and / or the second layer (2) are applied over the entire surface, in particular on the substrate (3) and / or the first layer (1).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular after the step of applying the first layer (1) and/or after the step of applying the second layer (2):

At least regional removal of the first (1) and/or second layer (2).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular after the step of applying the second layer (2): Applying heat to the multi-layer body (12), in particular the first (1) and/or the second layer (2), in particular so that in the at least one first (10) and/or the at least one second region (11) the optical Appearance and / or the physical properties of the first (1) and / or second layer (2) are further changed.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the application of heat to the multi-layer body (12) takes place at a temperature between 80 °C and 250 °C, preferably between 160 °C and 230 °C, and/or that the application of the multi-layer body (12) with heat for a period of between 0.5 min and 120 min, preferably 1 min and 3 min.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the electrical surface resistance of the first (1) and / or second layer (2) in the at least one first (10) and the at least one second region (11) by the Subjecting the multi-layer body (12) to heat in the at least one first region

(10) is increased by a factor of 15, preferably a factor of 20, more preferably a factor of 22 and/or in the at least one second region

(11) is increased by a factor of 2.5, preferably a factor of 5, more preferably a factor of 10.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color difference dE based on the individually present first layer made of a first metal and the individually present second layer made of the second metal to the first layer applied directly to one another in the at least one first region Layer of the first metal and second layer of the second metal is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 15.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the following step, which is carried out in particular during and/or after the step of applying the first (2) and/or second layer (3):

Subjecting the multi-layer body (12), in particular the first (2) and/or the second layer (3), to oxygen and/or hydrogen, in particular gaseous oxygen and/or hydrogen.

17. Multi-layer body (12), comprising a first layer (1) made of a first metal and a second layer (2) made of a second metal, the first (1) and the second layer (2) being in at least one first region (10 ) are arranged directly one on top of the other, so that in the at least one first area (10) the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2), in particular due to a chemical and/or physical reaction of the first (1) and the second layer (2) with each other, are changed.

18. Multi-layer body (12) according to claim 17, characterized in that in the at least one first region (10) between the first (1) and second layer (2), in particular at least partially, a

Mixed layer (4), in particular comprising the first and the second metal, is formed.

19. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that in the at least one first region (10) and/or in the mixed layer (4) the first metal and the second metal are, in particular at least partially, an alloy form.

20. Multi-layer body (12) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that in the at least one first region (10), in particular due to the chemical and / or physical reaction of the first (1) and the second layer (2) with each other , the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer

(2) are altered such that the visual appearance and/or physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) are compared to the visual appearance and/or physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) are changed alone or in combination.

21. Multi-layer body (12) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that that the first metal is indium (In), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) and/or that the second metal is indium (In) , tin (Sn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu).

22. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the first layer (1) has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.4 and 1.4, and/ or that the second layer (2) has an optical density (OD) between 0.1 and 4, preferably between 0.3 and 1.3.

23. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the first (1) and/or the second layer (2) has a layer thickness between 1 nm and 200 nm, preferably between 5 nm and 40 nm preferably between 10 nm and 30 nm.

24. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the multi-layer body (12) in at least a second region (11) further has a barrier layer (8), preferably a transparent and/or non-metallic barrier layer (8), which is arranged between the first (1) and the second layer (2), so that in the at least one second region (11) the first layer (1) and the second layer (2) are separated by the barrier layer (8). are separated.

25. Multi-layer body (12) according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one second area (11) forms a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid and/or that the at least one second area (11) is in the form of a pattern, character, in particular an alphanumeric Sign, and / or a symbol is formed.

26. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the barrier layer (8) solvent-based or water-based components selected from: polyurethane (PU), acrylate, polyolefin, polyol, polyester polyol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy or Mixtures thereof, in particular which can be crosslinked with isocyanate, melamine, amine, carbodiimide, aziridine and/or UV-curable substances and/or that the barrier layer (8) has a layer thickness of between 0.1 μm and 15 μm, preferably between 0 5 pm and 7.5 pm, more preferably between 1 pm and 5 pm.

27. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the barrier layer (8) is colored, in particular that the barrier layer (8) is colored by means of dyes and/or pigments, and/or that the degree of pigmentation of the barrier layer (8) is between 1% and 50%, preferably between 2.5% and 15%.

28. Multi-layer body (12) according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that that the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) are different in the at least one first (10) and the at least one second region (11).

29. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of Claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the electrical surface resistance of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) in the at least one first (10) and the at least one second region (11 ) is different, in particular that the electrical surface resistance between the at least one first region (10) and the at least one second region (11) differs by at least a factor of 10, preferably a factor of 15, more preferably a factor of 20.

30. Multi-layer body (12) according to any one of claims 17 to 29, characterized in that the multi-layer body (12) further has one or more layers (6, 7,

9) selected from the group: protective layer (7), release layer (6), colored layer, flattening layer, decorative layer and/or adhesive layer (9).

31. Multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 to 30, characterized in that the first (1) and/or second layer (2) has been removed at least in regions.

32. Multi-layer body according to one of claims 17 to 31, characterized in that the color difference dE related to the individually present first layer made of a first metal and the individually present second layer made of the second metal to the in the at least one first area directly on top of each other arranged first layer of the first metal and second layer of the second metal is greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, particularly preferably greater than 15.

33. Use of a multi-layer body (12) according to one of claims 17 to 32 as a component, in particular a decorative component, preferably for a vehicle, more preferably for a motor vehicle, for a notebook, for consumer electronics, for household appliances, as packaging material, as a sensor and/or as a security element.

34. Use of a first layer (1) made of a first metal and a second layer (2) made of a second metal in a multi-layer body (12) to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of the first (1) and/or second Layer (2) in at least one first area by directly applying the first layer and the second layer to one another in the at least one first area (10).

35. Use according to claim 34, characterized in that further a barrier layer (8), which is arranged between the first (1) and the second layer (2) in at least one second region (11), is used, in particular wherein the at least a first (10) and the at least one second region (11) is arranged next to one another, in particular directly next to one another, so that in the at least one second region (11) the first layer (1) and the second layer (2) are separated from one another by the barrier layer (8). .

36. Use of a heat application device (14) to change the optical appearance and/or the physical properties of a first layer (1) made of a first metal and/or a second layer (2) made of a second metal of a multi-layer body (12) in at least a first Area (10), wherein the first (1) and the second layer (2) are arranged directly one on top of the other in the at least one first area (10).

37. Use according to claim 36, characterized in that the heat application device (14) further for changing the optical appearance and / or the physical properties of the first layer (1) made of a first metal and / or the second layer (2) made of second metal of the multi-layer body (12) is used in at least one second area (11), a barrier layer (8) being arranged in the at least one second area (11) between the first (1) and the second layer (2), in particular such that in the at least one second region (11), the first layer (1) and the second layer (2) are separated from one another by the barrier layer (8).

38. Use according to claim 37, characterized in that the electrical surface resistance of the first (1) and/or second layer (2) in the at least one first (10) and the at least one second region (11) in the at least one first region (10) by a factor of 15 , preferably by a factor of 20, more preferably by a factor of 22 and/or in the at least one second region (11) by a factor of 2.5, preferably by a factor of 5, more preferably by a factor of 10.