Thin metal membrane with support

Abstract

The present invention relates, generally, to a component containing a composite of at least two layers that are connected to each other, in which the first layer comprises a hole and the second layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 μm. The first and second layers each contain at least one metal and compositions of the first and second layers are different. Further objects of the present invention include a method for producing a component containing at least two layers that are connected to each other and have the aforementioned features, a method for producing a component containing at least three layers that are connected to each other and have the aforementioned features, as well as a component that is obtained by one of the aforementioned methods and a device containing at least one of the aforementioned components for use in a living body.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A component comprising a composite made of at least a first layer and a second layer that are connected to each other, wherein
 the first layer comprises at least one hole;   the second layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 μm;   the first layer and the second layer each comprises at least one metal; and   the compositions of the first and second layers are different.   
     
     
         19 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the second layer has a thickness in the range of 2.0 to 25 μm. 
     
     
         20 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the first layer has a thickness in the range of 50 to 500 μm. 
     
     
         21 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are connected by cold welding or roll cladding. 
     
     
         22 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the materials of the first layer and the second layer are biocompatible. 
     
     
         23 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least one metal of the first layer is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, platinum, titanium, iridium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, palladium, copper, iron, a steel, and a combination of at least two thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least one metal of the second layer is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, platinum, titanium, iridium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, palladium, a steel, and a combination of at least two thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The component according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least one metal of the first layer and the at least one metal of the second layer is different. 
     
     
         26 . The component according to  claim 18 , further comprising a diffusion layer arranged as a connection between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         27 . The component according to  claim 18 , further comprising a third layer arranged on a side of the first layer facing away from the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises at least one hole, and wherein each hole of the first layer has a hole of the third layer superimposed on it. 
     
     
         28 . A method for producing a component comprising a composite comprising at least a first layer and a second layer that are connected to each other,
 wherein the second layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 μm;   the first layer and the second layer each comprises at least one metal; and   the compositions of the first layer and the second layer are different; the method comprising at least the following process steps:   (i) providing, superimposing, and connecting the first layer and the second layer while forming a composite;   (ii) applying a coating SL onto a part of the first layer; and   (iii) contacting parts of the first layer ( 2 ) not provided with the coating to a liquid CA, causing at least a part of the first layer to be removed and at least one hole to be formed in the first layer; thereby obtaining the component.   
     
     
         29 . The method for producing a component according to  claim 28 , wherein at least a part of the first layer is removed by mechanical or electrical processing after step (i) and before step (ii). 
     
     
         30 . The method for producing a component according to  claim 28 , wherein the coating SL is resistant to the liquid CA, at least during step (iii). 
     
     
         31 . A method for producing a component comprising a composite made of at least three layers that are connected to each other,
 wherein the second layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 μm;   the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each comprises at least one metal;   the third layer has a thickness of at least 1 μm;   the compositions of the first layer and the second layer are different; and   the compositions of the first layer and the third layer are different; the method comprising at least the following process steps:   (i) providing, superimposing, and connecting the third layer, the first layer, and the second layer while forming a composite;   (ii) removing a part of the third layer; and   (iii) contacting parts of the first layer not provided with the third layer to a liquid CA, causing at least a part of the first layer to be removed and at least one hole to be formed in the first layer; thereby obtaining the component.   
     
     
         32 . A component comprising a composite produced according to  claim 28 . 
     
     
         33 . A device for use in a living body, wherein the device comprises a component according to  claim 18 . 
     
     
         34 . A device for use in a living body, wherein the device comprises a component produced according to  claim 28 .