Electroless Copper on "Polyphenylene Oxide"
Question: I need information on metallizing a number of different polymers including polyphenylene oxide (PPO). H.I.
Question:
I need information on metallizing a number of different polymers including polyphenylene oxide (PPO). H.I.
Answer:
The metallizing of polymers and non-conductors in general is a well-developed technology. The proper process depends on the polymer and non-conductor and the use of the finished parts. Everything from printed circuit boards, auto trim, faucet sets and draw pulls are made of non-conductive materials. All of these parts are metallized to give them their final form and function.
Briefly, the process has three major steps. Probably the most critical step in the process is preparing the surface of the material to allow for good adhesion. Mechanical roughening and chemical etching can do this. Mechanical roughening can be performed using sodium bicarbonate or similar materials as a blast media. Acids are usually used for the chemical etching, with chromic acid being one of the more common materials. After this step, the surfaces must be sensitized using various types of solutions. This step in turn is followed by the deposit of electroless copper or nickel.
There are a number of good references available: A book, Metallizing of Plastics-"A Handbook of Theory and Practice, edited by R. Suchentrunk, goes into more detail about the various processes used. The book is available from Metal Finishing Publications.
PPO is one of the more difficult polymers/plastics to plate. An interesting paper, Metallization of Difficult-to-Plate Plastics, by J. J. Steppan & B. McClure, discusses this polymer as well as a few other difficult to plate materials. The paper was presented at Sur/Fin 98. The process uses plasma oxidation and mechanical pretreatment for surface preparation prior to metallizing.
Related Content
-
SUR/FIN 2023: Capsules from the Technical Sessions I: Emerging Technologies
SUR/FIN 2023 in Cleveland this past June was a resounding success. Due to the efforts of the Technical Activities Committee, ably led by Bill Nebiolo this year, an outstanding program of technical presentations was offered. What follows are summaries of selected presentations from the Emerging Technologies sessions. Additional coverage will be provided in this space in the coming months. The full report can be accessed and printed at short.pfonline.com/NASF23Aug1.
-
Plating, Anodizing Equipment for Variety of Applications
Titan Metal Fabricators Titan Metal Fabricators, Rightech Fabrications and Optimum Anode Technologies are leading suppliers of equipment for the plating and anodizing industries.
-
Hexavalent-Chromium-Free Aluminum Sacrificial Paint Validation
Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen, repro-toxin and mutagen. Its elimination is of high importance to the aerospace industry, which has struggled to find high performing alternatives. Legacy aluminum sacrificial paints have traditionally utilized hexavalent chromium to prevent corrosion and coatings which are equal to or better than have been difficult. This second of two papers discusses the hexavalent-chromium-free process from the user point-of-view in terms of the process validation work by Rolls Royce Corporation.
