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ELECTROLESS PLATING AND ELECTROPLATING OF PLASTICS / POLYMERS | ||
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Plastics are non-conductive, which means they do not conduct electrical current. However, there are times when there is a need for a plastic to conduct electricity, Electroless plating of plastics, such as polycarbonate, ABS and polypropylene, is a process whereby a conductive layer (gold, nickel or copper) is applied to the surface, as a finish. This is also known as metalising a polymer. This process is widespread in the automotive industry, as it means lightweight plastics, that conduct electrical current, can be used in place of heavier metals. |
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STAGE ONE: The polymer to be metalised, is put through an etching process, which removes butadiene, leaving a surface capable of bonding with metal ions. | ||
STAGE TWO: The polymer is removed from the etching tank and cleaned with water. This is applied as a spray. The polymer is allowed to dry. | ||
STAGE THREE: ELECTROLESS PLATING can now take place. It is called an ELECTROLESS process, as it does not require electricity, but is achieved through a chemical process (a catalatic reaction), which allows gold, nickel or copper to be deposited onto the surface of the polymer. | ||
If ELECTROPLATING is required as an additional process, it can now take place, as the surface of the polymer has been metalised. Electroplating involves the use of electricity, as a method of transferring a range of alternative metals to the polymers metalised surface. Click here for the ELECTROPLATING PROCESS. |
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SAMPLE ELECTROLESS PLATED / ELECTROPLATED POLYMER PRODUCTS | ||
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