Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1659436 Surface and Coatings Technology 2011 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Non-metallic substrates, such as plastics or oxides, need to be activated before electroless metal deposition. In this paper, a novel process of using metal Pd and Pd–Cu ion loaded organic solutions for surface activation of non-metallic substrates is described. The organic media used are strong polarizing and low ionic conducting solutions of the type commonly used in the solvent extraction industry. Different types of non-metallic substrates, including polyester, alumina and carbon nanotubes, have been evaluated, and it was shown that a uniform and complete Cu coating can be electrolessly deposited after activation in metal ion loaded organic solutions.

Research Highlights► Metal irons were loaded into organic solutions by extraction. ► The loaded organic solutions were made into activation solutions with additives. ► Non-metallic substrates were activated by the organic solutions. ► Subsequent electroless deposition proved the surface activation by organic solutions.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Nanotechnology
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