WO2000029646A1 - Process for metallizing a plastic surface - Google Patents

Process for metallizing a plastic surface Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000029646A1
WO2000029646A1 PCT/US1999/026066 US9926066W WO0029646A1 WO 2000029646 A1 WO2000029646 A1 WO 2000029646A1 US 9926066 W US9926066 W US 9926066W WO 0029646 A1 WO0029646 A1 WO 0029646A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solution
accordance
plastic surface
etching
treatment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/026066
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Leonas Naruskevicius
Grigorijus Rozovskis
Jonas Vinkevicius
Mykolas Baranauskas
Andreas Mobius
Peter Pies
Original Assignee
Enthone-Omi, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from LT98-161A external-priority patent/LT4713B/en
Priority claimed from DE1999104665 external-priority patent/DE19904665A1/en
Priority claimed from EP99115967A external-priority patent/EP1001052B1/en
Application filed by Enthone-Omi, Inc. filed Critical Enthone-Omi, Inc.
Priority to CA002350422A priority Critical patent/CA2350422A1/en
Priority to US09/831,008 priority patent/US6712948B1/en
Priority to MXPA01004811A priority patent/MXPA01004811A/en
Priority to BR9915280-0A priority patent/BR9915280A/en
Priority to KR1020017006001A priority patent/KR20010086023A/en
Priority to AU12433/00A priority patent/AU1243300A/en
Priority to JP2000582621A priority patent/JP2002530529A/en
Publication of WO2000029646A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000029646A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/54—Electroplating of non-metallic surfaces
    • C25D5/56—Electroplating of non-metallic surfaces of plastics
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
    • C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
    • C23C18/18—Pretreatment of the material to be coated
    • C23C18/20—Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins
    • C23C18/2006—Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins by other methods than those of C23C18/22 - C23C18/30
    • C23C18/2046—Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins by other methods than those of C23C18/22 - C23C18/30 by chemical pretreatment
    • C23C18/2073—Multistep pretreatment
    • C23C18/2086—Multistep pretreatment with use of organic or inorganic compounds other than metals, first
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
    • C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
    • C23C18/18—Pretreatment of the material to be coated
    • C23C18/20—Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins
    • C23C18/22—Roughening, e.g. by etching
    • C23C18/24—Roughening, e.g. by etching using acid aqueous solutions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
    • C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
    • C23C18/18—Pretreatment of the material to be coated
    • C23C18/20—Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins
    • C23C18/28—Sensitising or activating
    • C23C18/285—Sensitising or activating with tin based compound or composition
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C18/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating
    • C23C18/16—Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating; Contact plating by reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating
    • C23C18/31—Coating with metals
    • C23C18/32—Coating with nickel, cobalt or mixtures thereof with phosphorus or boron
    • C23C18/34—Coating with nickel, cobalt or mixtures thereof with phosphorus or boron using reducing agents

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a process for the metallizing of a plastic surface.
  • the plastic surface of a plastic article or the plastic surfaces of several plastic articles are metallized.
  • metallized plastics are used for decorative purposes, for example in the sanitary facilities field or m the manufacture of automobiles.
  • metallization of plastics also occurs in connection with the surface treatment of electronic components for the purpose of electronic shielding.
  • plastics such as ac- rylnitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and possibly ABS-Polycarbonate blends are metallized for decorative purposes.
  • ABS ac- rylnitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • ABS-Polycarbonate blends are metallized for decorative purposes.
  • the plastic surface is first roughened by strong etching, for example with chromic acid or chrome-hydrochloric acid.
  • surface roughening is meant especially that, due to the etching process, micro-caverns are created m the plastic surface
  • micro-caverns m general, have a size on the order of A to 10 ⁇ m.
  • these micro-caverns show a depth (i.e. an extent from the plastic surface toward the interior) in the range of ⁇ to 10 ⁇ m
  • the etching takes place at relatively high temperatures and, as a rule, for relatively extended pe ⁇ ods.
  • the concentration of an oxidizer added to the etching solution normally is relatively high.
  • the roughening of the plastic surface has the purpose of allowing the subsequently to be applied activating layer and/or metal layer to almost hook into the roughened plastic surface.
  • the adhesion of a metal layer to the roughened plastic surface is achieved almost in the manner of the snap fastener principle m this known process
  • the surface first is activated with colloidal palladium or lonogene palladium. This activation, m the case of the colloidal process, is followed by a removal of a protective tm colloid or, m the case of the lonogene process, a reduction to the elemental palladium.
  • copper or nickel is chemically deposited on the plastic surface as a conducting layer.
  • micro- caverns are created in the plastic surface by etching in which the metal layer to be applied is mechanically anchored or hooked into Also, the etching occurs at elevated temperatures in this process
  • the etching solution generally has a high concentration of an oxidizer
  • the plastic surface pre-treated in this manner, subsequently is treated with a copper salt solution, and afterward it is treated with a second solution, containing sulfide ions or polysulfide ions In this manner, an electrically conducting layer of non-stochiomeric copper sulfide is created on the plastic surface.
  • the initial step of this known process is followed by the treatment of the plastic surface with both of the cited solutions at room temperature for a duration of maximally 1 minute.
  • the invention is based on the technical problem to describe a process of the type mentioned in the beginning by which, in a less complex manner, a large variety of plastics can be metallized m a functionally secure and reproducible manner, whereby they are provided with a metal layer which meets all requirements
  • the invention describes a process for metallizing a plastic surface, whereby the following process steps are performed m sequence: 1J) The plastic surface is subjected to etching under mild conditions.
  • the plastic surface is treated with a metal salt solution which comprises at least one salt of the group "Cobalt salt, silver salt, tin salt, lead salt".
  • the mild etching referred to in the invention means especially that the "etching", or the treatment of the plastic surface, respectively, with a etching solution occurs at low temperatures and/or within a shorter time period at low concentration of the etching solution.
  • mild etching conditions can be realized already when one of the preceding three conditions is met.
  • the low temperature referred to m the invention means a maximum temperature of 40°C. When the mild etching conditions are created by a low temperature, this is usefully a maximum of 30°C, with a temperature of between 15°C and 25°C being preferred.
  • the pre-treatment with the etching solution takes place especially over a time period of 3 to 15 minutes, preferably 5 to 15 minutes and even more preferred 5 to 10 minutes.
  • the invention claims that the treatment period is the shorter the higher the temperature.
  • mild etching conditions can be also achieved at temperatures in excess of 40°C if the treatment period selected is appropriately short.
  • the etching treatment takes place at temperatures of 40°C to 95°C, preferably 50°C to 70°C, for a treatment pe ⁇ od of 15 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably .5 to 3 minutes.
  • the invention claims that the treatment pe ⁇ od is the shorter the higher the process temperature.
  • the process temperature and/or process time is selected in accordance with the type of the etching solution employed.
  • Mild etching as specified m the invention also means that, contrary to the known processes referred to above, a roughening of the plastic surface, or the creation of micro- caverns m the plastic surface, respectively, does not occur.
  • the invention envisions that the etching conditions are adjusted so that only small openings or pores, respectively, are created m the plastic surface which have a diameter and especially a depth of ⁇ .09 ⁇ m, with ⁇ .05 ⁇ m preferred.
  • depth means the extent of the open- mgs/gateways from the plastic surface into the plastic interior.
  • the invention envisions that by creating small openings or pores, respectively, the plastic surface is opened for the diffusion of the metal ions of the metal salt solution. In other words, the plastic surface is transformed into something membrane-like, or a quasi diffusion membrane is created m the plastic surface, respectively.
  • Mild etching conditions within the scope of the invention also mean that the etching conditions are applied with the intention that only the mentioned small pores are created in the plastic surface and that micro-caverns or interior hollows, respectively, in the plastic surface do not occur.
  • diffusion openings or diffusion channels are created in the area of the plastic surface which have a depth of ⁇ .09 ⁇ m, preferably ⁇ .05 ⁇ m.
  • the etching treatment envisioned by the invention can be realized with a etching solution and/or basically also by a plasma treatment or by plasma etching, respectively.
  • a etching solution used for etching contains at least one oxidizer. Mild etching within the scope of the invention also means that an oxidizer is used m a low concentration Permanganate and/or peroxodisulfate and/or pe ⁇ odate and/or peroxide can be used as oxidizers.
  • etching is by an acid etching solution which contains at least one oxidizer.
  • a aqueous etching solution is used which contains permanganate and phosphoric acid (H 3 P0 4 ) and/or sulfu ⁇ c acid. In practical terms, potassium permanganate is used as the permanganate.
  • etching treatment is by a basic aqueous solution, containing permanganate.
  • permanganate containing permanganate.
  • potassium permanganate is used by preference.
  • the basic aqueous solution con- tarns lye.
  • the invention envisions that the type of etching solution used depends on the type of plastic to be treated. - The preferred concentration of the oxidizer in the etching solution is .05 to .6 mol/1. In practical terms, the etching solution contains .05 to .6 mol/1 permanganate or persulfate.
  • the etching solution contains .1 to .5 mol/1 pe ⁇ odate or hydrogen peroxide.
  • permanganate is very much pre- ferred for the etching solution.
  • the preferred permanganate proportion is 1 g/1 up to the solubility limit of the permanganate, preferably potassium permanganate.
  • a permanganate solution contains 2 to 15 g/1 permanganate, preferably 2 to 15 g/1 potassium permanganate.
  • the invention envisions that the permanganate solution contain a wetting agent.
  • mild etching can also be achieved by the use of a dilute aqueous persulfate solution or pe ⁇ odite solution or a dilute aqueous peroxide solution.
  • the mild etching treatment with a etching solution is earned out while agitating the solution.
  • the plastic surface is rmsed, for example 1 to 3 minutes m water.
  • the treatment with the metal salt solution according to 1.2) is carried out at a tempera- ture of maximally 30°C, preferably at a temperature between 15 and 25°C
  • a tempera- ture of maximally 30°C preferably at a temperature between 15 and 25°C
  • the treatment with the metal salt solution is performed without agitation
  • the preferred treatment time is 30 seconds to 15 minutes, preferably 3 to 12 minutes.
  • a metal salt solution is used which has a pH value of between 7.5 and 12.5, preferably adjusted to between 8 and 12.
  • a metal salt solution which contains ammonia and/or at least one amme
  • an alkaline metal salt solution is used.
  • a metal salt solution which contains one or more amines.
  • the metal salt solution may contain monoethanolamine and/or tnethanolamine. Treatment with the metal salt solution, withm the scope of the invention, means especially the immersion of the plastic surface into the metal salt solution.
  • a cobalt salt solution is used as the metal salt solution.
  • the cobalt salt solution contains 1 to 15 g/1 Co(II) salt, preferably 5 to 12 g/1 Co(II) salt.
  • the cobalt (II) solution contains cobalt (II) sulfate and/or cobalt (II) chloride.
  • the cobalt (II) solution contains ⁇ to 15 g/1 CoS0 4 • 7H 2 0; very much preferred is 1 to 10 g/1 CoS0 4 • 7H 2 0.
  • a metal salt solution used is especially a cobalt salt solution, containing at least one oxidizer.
  • the oxidizer may be hydrogen peroxide, for example.
  • the oxidizer may also be made available by blowing air into the metal salt solution.
  • the metal salt solution is a cobalt (II) salt solution
  • the oxidizer is preferred to be used with the proviso that at least part of the cobalt (II) is oxidized into cobalt (III).
  • the plastic surface is as ⁇ nsed as required.
  • the plastic surface is immersed into a aqueous alkaline solution between the process steps 1.2) and 1J).
  • the treatment or immersion time is preferably 10 seconds to 3 minutes, .5 to 2 mm- utes is very much preferred.
  • a bath temperature of maximally 30°C is used, 15 to 25°C is preferred.
  • the aqueous alkaline solution has a pH value of 9 to 14.
  • the immersion in the aqueous alkaline solution is preferably in a dilute sodium lye.
  • the scope of the invention includes the use of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide and/or sodium carbonate for making the aqueous alkaline solution. It is very much preferred that the aqueous alkaline solution contain 5 to 50 g/1 sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
  • the concentration of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to be the higher, the higher the metal salt concentration of the metal salt solution.
  • the plastic surface instead of a aqueous alkaline solution, may also be treated with a aqueous acid dip solution. - It is withm the scope of the invention to rmse with water or distilled wa- ter, respectively, subsequent to the immersion treatment.
  • the plastic surface is treated with an alkaline solution of an alkali metal sulfide according to process step 1J).
  • An ammonium sulfide may also be used.
  • the sulfide for example, may be a monosul- fide, disulfide, tetrasulfide or a polysulfide.
  • concentration of the alkali metal monosulfide preferably the sodium sulfide, is preferred to be .5 to 10 g/1; very much preferred is 2 to 8 g/1.
  • the alkali solution of the alkali metal sulfide contains 5 to 25 g/1 of sodium hydroxide, for example 10 g/1 sodium hydroxide.
  • the treatment with the sulfide solution preferably takes place over a time pe ⁇ od of 15 seconds to 5 minutes; very much preferred is 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
  • the treatment with the sulfide solution in accordance with process step 1.3) is earned out preferably at a maximum temperature of 30°C; a temperature of between 15 and 25°C is preferred.
  • ⁇ nsmg as required takes place, for example 1 to 3 minutes with cold water.
  • the metal salt solution preferably a cobalt salt solution and/or the sulfide solution
  • the metal salt solution may at least partially contain the metal m the form of a metal complex.
  • the metal salt solution and/or the sulfide solution have a wetting agent added so that improved wetting of the plastic surface results.
  • a sulfide solution can be used which contains at least one substance from the group "Alcohol, diol, polyol, ployalkanglycol, ployalkenglycol, gel/sol-buildmg substance, such as silicic acid gel or aluminum oxide gel". It is withm the scope of the invention to use mixtures of these substances in the sulfide solution.
  • a metal salt solution preferably a cobalt salt solution
  • a cobalt salt solution which contains at least one substance from the group "Alcohol, diol, polyol, ployalkan- glycol, ployalkenglycol, gel/sol-buildmg substance, such as silicic acid gel or aluminum oxide gel". It is withm the scope of the invention to use mixtures of these substances in the metal salt solution.
  • drying of the plastic surface is carried out between process step 1J) and process step 1.4). It is withm the scope of the invention that the drying is effected by a heat treatment of the plastic surface (with increased temperature). Preferably, the metallizing of the plastic surface occurs only subsequent to the drying. In principle, when applying the process in accordance with the invention, the treatment with the metal salt solution and/or the treatment with the sulfide solu- tion may be repeated. It is withm the scope of the invention that in the case of multiple treatment with the sulfide solution, the plastic surface is dried subsequent to any treatment.
  • the direct metallization of the plastic surface may proceed According to a very much preferred procedure which is especially significant withm the scope of the invention, the plastic surface is nickel plated in a nickel bath in ac- cordance with procedure step 1.4). To this extent an electrolytic direct metallization can be carried out. Electro-chemical nickel plating preferably takes place in a Watts electrolyte. In practice, the treatment time is 10 to 15 minutes in this connection, and the electrolyte temperature is preferred to be 30 to 40°C. It is withm the scope of the invention that for electrochemical nickel plating an initial current density of 3 A/dm 2 is used which later is increased to 3 A/dm 2 . In this manner a nickel layer can be deposited on the plastic surface by electrolytic metallizing.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that the plastic surface when etched as described m the invention is manipulated in such a manner that ultimately, surpnsmgly, a very tight adherence of the applied metal layer to the plastic surface is achieved. These tightly adhering metal layers show a high temperature cycling resistance and, accordingly, survive all the customary temperature cycling shocks. Further, the invention is based on the knowledge that using the process desc ⁇ bed in the invention conditions can be created withm a relatively short time which are optimally suited for the subsequent application of the metal or the nickel layer, respectively. Although it is basic to the scope of the invention that the process steps are repeated and especially to repeat steps 1.2) and 1.3), surpnsmgly, optimal results are also achievable without the repetition of these process steps.
  • an acid or an alkaline etching solution is employed.
  • an acid etching solution is used for mild etching, consisting of 100 to 300 ml/1 water, 700 to 900 ml/1 concentrated phosphoric acid and 3 to 7 g/1 potassium permanganate.
  • the acid etching solution consists of 74% by weight of phosphoric acid, 26% by weight of water and 5 g potassium permanganate
  • an alkaline etching solution is used for mild etching which, practice contains 20 to 40 g/1 sodium hydroxide and 5 to 15 g/1 potassium permanganate.
  • the aqueous alkaline etching solution consists of 30 g/1 sodium hydroxide and 10 g/1 potassium permanganate.
  • an ammomacal metal salt solution which contains .1 to 12 g/1 cobalt (II) sulfate, as well as 10 to 50 ml/1 25% ammonia solution.
  • Activation with the cobalt salt solution preferably occurs at room temperature i.e. during a treatment time of 5 to 10 minutes.
  • the plastic surface is rmsed with water as re- quired.
  • aqueous alkaline solution into which the part preferably is immersed subsequent to the treatment with the metal salt solution 10 to 50 g/1 sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water.
  • a aqueous alkaline solution with 20 g/1 sodium hydroxide is employed.
  • Immersion in the aqueous alkaline solution takes place at room temperature and over a treatment time period of .5 to 2 minutes.
  • a sulfide solution is used as the alkaline sulfide solution which contains .5 to 10 g/1 sodium sulfide (Na 2 S), as well as 5 to 26 g/1 sodium hydroxide.
  • an alkaline alkali sulfide solution which contains 5 g/1 sodium sulfide (Na 2 S), as well as 10 g/1 sodium hydroxide.
  • the sulfide treatment is carried out at room temperature and over a treatment penod of .5 to 5 minutes.
  • the plastic surface is rmsed with water as required. It is withm the scope of the invention that prior to the metallization, especially nickel plating, the plastic surface is dried.
  • the application examples 1 and 2 correspond to the state of the art (compa ⁇ son examples), while examples 3 to 6 clarify the process which is the subject of the invention.
  • the app - cation examples 1 and 5 ABS plastic discs with a surface of 50 cm 2 were used, while die- pressed products of impact-resistant polystyrol with a surface of 70 cm 2 were used for examples 2, 4 and 6.
  • the notation "M" corresponds to the concentration "mol/1".
  • the plastic articles were again washed m cold wa- ter. Following this was electro-chemical nickel plating. For this, the articles were treated for 15 minutes in a Watts electrolyte, containing 1J M NiS0 4 • 7 H 2 0, .2 M NiCl 2 • 6 H 2 0 and .5 M H 3 BO 3 . The initial current was 3 A/dm 2 , and the nickel plating was carried out at 40°C.
  • the articles then were treated for 30 seconds with a metal salt solution, containing .5 M CuS0 4 • 5 H 2 0 Monoethanolamin having the pH value adjusted to 9.8, and the temperature of the solution was 20°C. Subsequently, the articles were immersed in distilled water for 20 seconds and following this treated with a sulfide solution for 30 seconds which contained M NaS and had a temperature of 20°C. Subsequently, the treatment with the metal salt solution and the following treatment with the sulfide solution as described above was repeated. After this treatment the articles were rinsed in distilled water and electro-chemically nickel plated in a Watts electrolyte as described in Application Example 1.
  • Application Example 4 The surface of the articles of impact-resistant polystyrol was pickled for a period of 10 minutes and at room temperature with a solution containing 17 M H 2 S0 4 and 1 M H 2 0 2 . After etching, the articles were rinsed with water and subsequently treated for 10 minutes with a solution containing .01 M CoF 3 and monoethanolamine up to a pH value of 8 and at a temperature of 20°C. The articles then were immersed for 20 seconds in a aqueous alkaline solution which contained sufficient sodium hydroxide that it had a pH value of 14. Subsequently, they were treated for 30 seconds with a sulfide solution containing .05 M K 2 S 4 . The treated articles then were rmsed with distilled water, dried and then nickel plated for 15 minutes in a Watts electrolyte m accordance with Application Example 1.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Chemically Coating (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
  • Treatments Of Macromolecular Shaped Articles (AREA)

Abstract

A process for the metallization of a plastic surface, whereby the following process steps are performed in sequence, one after another. The plastic surface is subjected to an etching treatment under mild etching conditions. Subsequently, the plastic surface is treated with a metal salt solution, containing at least one salt from the following group: 'Cobalt salt, silver salt, tin salt, lead salt'. The plastic surface is treated with a sulfide solution. Finally, the plastic surface is metallized in a metallizing bath.

Description

PROCESS FOR METALLIZING A PLASTIC SURFACE
Description The invention concerns a process for the metallizing of a plastic surface. Within the scope of the process, m accordance with the invention, the plastic surface of a plastic article or the plastic surfaces of several plastic articles are metallized.
On the one hand, metallized plastics are used for decorative purposes, for example in the sanitary facilities field or m the manufacture of automobiles. On the other hand, metallization of plastics also occurs in connection with the surface treatment of electronic components for the purpose of electronic shielding. Especially the surfaces of plastics, such as ac- rylnitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and possibly ABS-Polycarbonate blends are metallized for decorative purposes.
In an already known process in practice, the plastic surface is first roughened by strong etching, for example with chromic acid or chrome-hydrochloric acid. By surface roughening is meant especially that, due to the etching process, micro-caverns are created m the plastic surface These micro-caverns, m general, have a size on the order of A to 10 μm. Especially, these micro-caverns show a depth (i.e. an extent from the plastic surface toward the interior) in the range of Λ to 10 μm The etching takes place at relatively high temperatures and, as a rule, for relatively extended peπods. The concentration of an oxidizer added to the etching solution normally is relatively high. The roughening of the plastic surface has the purpose of allowing the subsequently to be applied activating layer and/or metal layer to almost hook into the roughened plastic surface. The adhesion of a metal layer to the roughened plastic surface is achieved almost in the manner of the snap fastener principle m this known process After the etching or roughening of the plastic surface, the surface first is activated with colloidal palladium or lonogene palladium. This activation, m the case of the colloidal process, is followed by a removal of a protective tm colloid or, m the case of the lonogene process, a reduction to the elemental palladium. Subsequently, copper or nickel is chemically deposited on the plastic surface as a conducting layer. Following this, galvanizing or metallizing, respectively, takes place In practice, this direct metallizing of the plastic surface works only for certain plastics. If sufficient roughening of the plastic, or the formation of suitable micro-caverns, respectively, is not possible by etching the plastic surface, a functionally secure adherence of the metal layer to the plastic surface is not guaranteed. Therefore, in the case of the known process, especially the number of plastics capable of being coated is greatly limited. The direct metallization in accordance with this known process generally only functions without problems with ABS plastic parts. In the case of ABS- Polycarbonate blends and polypropylene, metallization is only possible under certain working conditions. In view of this, this known process is capable of improvement.
In the case of another known process ("New methods of electroless plating and direct electroplating of plastics", A Vaskehs et al., Institute of Chemistry, A Gostauto 9, 2600 Vil- us, Lithuania, paper to be presented the INTERFINISH 96 WORLD CONGRESS, International Convention Centre, Birmingham, England, 10-12 September 1996), the plastic surface likewise is roughened by relatively heavy or strong etching, respectively. Here also micro- caverns are created in the plastic surface by etching in which the metal layer to be applied is mechanically anchored or hooked into Also, the etching occurs at elevated temperatures in this process The etching solution generally has a high concentration of an oxidizer The plastic surface, pre-treated in this manner, subsequently is treated with a copper salt solution, and afterward it is treated with a second solution, containing sulfide ions or polysulfide ions In this manner, an electrically conducting layer of non-stochiomeric copper sulfide is created on the plastic surface. The initial step of this known process is followed by the treatment of the plastic surface with both of the cited solutions at room temperature for a duration of maximally 1 minute. Even with this first step, only certain plastics can be metallized in a somewhat functionally secure and satisfactory manner - After a second step of this known process, the treatment with both of the cited solutions takes place at a higher temperature of 70 to 90°C, and for a longer period of 5 to 15 minutes With this working process it is m- tended that both sulfur and also copper ions penetrate the plastic surface into the plastic, and that non-stoichiometπc copper sulfide is also generated under the plastic surface In this manner, especially good adhesion of the subsequently applied metal layer is to be achieved However, the penetration described takes place only m a very incomplete manner, and thus the adhesion of the metal layer also leaves something to be desired. In addition, also with this process only certain plastics can be metallized in a satisfactory manner.
In practice, there further are several processes known whereby after the etching of the plastic surface and the formation of micro-caverns, the plastic surface is treated with a copper salt solution. Subsequently, a treatment with a sulfide solution is applied. All these processes are characteπzed by the disadvantage that in order to create a somewhat satisfac- tory metal layer, the process steps mentioned must be repeated several times in sequence. It is understood that this is complex and expensive.
In contrast, the invention is based on the technical problem to describe a process of the type mentioned in the beginning by which, in a less complex manner, a large variety of plastics can be metallized m a functionally secure and reproducible manner, whereby they are provided with a metal layer which meets all requirements To solve this technical problem, the invention describes a process for metallizing a plastic surface, whereby the following process steps are performed m sequence: 1J) The plastic surface is subjected to etching under mild conditions.
1.2) Subsequently, the plastic surface is treated with a metal salt solution which comprises at least one salt of the group "Cobalt salt, silver salt, tin salt, lead salt".
1.3) The plastic surface is treated with a sulfide solution.
1.4) Finally, the plastic surface is metallized in a metallizing bath
Additional process steps, especially rinsing steps, may be interspersed with the process steps which are the subject of the invention. The mild etching referred to in the invention means especially that the "etching", or the treatment of the plastic surface, respectively, with a etching solution occurs at low temperatures and/or within a shorter time period at low concentration of the etching solution. As a matter of principle, mild etching conditions can be realized already when one of the preceding three conditions is met. The low temperature referred to m the invention means a maximum temperature of 40°C. When the mild etching conditions are created by a low temperature, this is usefully a maximum of 30°C, with a temperature of between 15°C and 25°C being preferred. With the low temperatures mentioned above, the pre-treatment with the etching solution takes place especially over a time period of 3 to 15 minutes, preferably 5 to 15 minutes and even more preferred 5 to 10 minutes. The invention claims that the treatment period is the shorter the higher the temperature. However, mild etching conditions can be also achieved at temperatures in excess of 40°C if the treatment period selected is appropriately short. According to one version of the invention, the etching treatment takes place at temperatures of 40°C to 95°C, preferably 50°C to 70°C, for a treatment peπod of 15 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably .5 to 3 minutes. Here also, the invention claims that the treatment peπod is the shorter the higher the process temperature. In practical terms, the process temperature and/or process time is selected in accordance with the type of the etching solution employed.
Mild etching as specified m the invention also means that, contrary to the known processes referred to above, a roughening of the plastic surface, or the creation of micro- caverns m the plastic surface, respectively, does not occur. The micro-caverns created with etching according to the state of the art or the hollow spaces, respectively, normally have a diameter or depth, respectively, in the size range of Λ to 10 μm. The invention, however, envisions that the etching conditions are adjusted so that only small openings or pores, respectively, are created m the plastic surface which have a diameter and especially a depth of < .09 μm, with < .05 μm preferred. In this connection, depth means the extent of the open- mgs/gateways from the plastic surface into the plastic interior. Thus, no etching in the classical sense takes place here as is the case with the known processes. The invention envisions that by creating small openings or pores, respectively, the plastic surface is opened for the diffusion of the metal ions of the metal salt solution. In other words, the plastic surface is transformed into something membrane-like, or a quasi diffusion membrane is created m the plastic surface, respectively. Mild etching conditions within the scope of the invention also mean that the etching conditions are applied with the intention that only the mentioned small pores are created in the plastic surface and that micro-caverns or interior hollows, respectively, in the plastic surface do not occur. In practical terms, diffusion openings or diffusion channels are created in the area of the plastic surface which have a depth of < .09 μm, preferably < .05 μm.
The etching treatment envisioned by the invention can be realized with a etching solution and/or basically also by a plasma treatment or by plasma etching, respectively.
Preferably, a etching solution used for etching contains at least one oxidizer. Mild etching within the scope of the invention also means that an oxidizer is used m a low concentration Permanganate and/or peroxodisulfate and/or peπodate and/or peroxide can be used as oxidizers. In accordance with one type of process, etching is by an acid etching solution which contains at least one oxidizer. Preferably, a aqueous etching solution is used which contains permanganate and phosphoric acid (H3P04) and/or sulfuπc acid. In practical terms, potassium permanganate is used as the permanganate. Very much preferred is the use of an acid etching solution which only contains phosphoric acid or principally phosphoπc acid and only a little sulfuπc acid. According to another type of application of the invention, etching treatment is by a basic aqueous solution, containing permanganate. Here also potassium permanganate is used by preference. In practical terms, the basic aqueous solution con- tarns lye. The invention envisions that the type of etching solution used depends on the type of plastic to be treated. - The preferred concentration of the oxidizer in the etching solution is .05 to .6 mol/1. In practical terms, the etching solution contains .05 to .6 mol/1 permanganate or persulfate. The invention also envisions that the etching solution contains .1 to .5 mol/1 peπodate or hydrogen peroxide. As already stated above, permanganate is very much pre- ferred for the etching solution. The preferred permanganate proportion is 1 g/1 up to the solubility limit of the permanganate, preferably potassium permanganate. In practical terms, a permanganate solution contains 2 to 15 g/1 permanganate, preferably 2 to 15 g/1 potassium permanganate. The invention envisions that the permanganate solution contain a wetting agent. - As already stated above, mild etching can also be achieved by the use of a dilute aqueous persulfate solution or peπodite solution or a dilute aqueous peroxide solution. Pref- erably, the mild etching treatment with a etching solution is earned out while agitating the solution. - Subsequent to the mild etching, the plastic surface is rmsed, for example 1 to 3 minutes m water. In accordance with a very much preferred type of application of the invention, the treatment with the metal salt solution according to 1.2) is carried out at a tempera- ture of maximally 30°C, preferably at a temperature between 15 and 25°C Thus, it lies withm the scope of the invention to also carry out the treatment with the metal salt solution m the range of room temperature In practice, the treatment with the metal salt solution is performed without agitation The preferred treatment time is 30 seconds to 15 minutes, preferably 3 to 12 minutes. - Preferably, a metal salt solution is used which has a pH value of between 7.5 and 12.5, preferably adjusted to between 8 and 12. In accordance with a preferred type of application of the invention, a metal salt solution is used which contains ammonia and/or at least one amme The above-mentioned pH value adjustment can be effected with the help of ammonia, and in this case, withm the scope of the invention, an alkaline metal salt solution is used. Basically, however, it is also withm the scope of the invention to use a metal salt solution which contains one or more amines. For example, the metal salt solution may contain monoethanolamine and/or tnethanolamine. Treatment with the metal salt solution, withm the scope of the invention, means especially the immersion of the plastic surface into the metal salt solution.
According to a very much preferred type of application, which is especially meanmg- ful withm the scope of the invention, a cobalt salt solution is used as the metal salt solution. Preferably, the cobalt salt solution contains 1 to 15 g/1 Co(II) salt, preferably 5 to 12 g/1 Co(II) salt. In practical terms the cobalt (II) solution contains cobalt (II) sulfate and/or cobalt (II) chloride. Preferably, the cobalt (II) solution contains Λ to 15 g/1 CoS04 • 7H20; very much preferred is 1 to 10 g/1 CoS04 • 7H20. - According to a very much preferred type of application withm the scope of the invention, a metal salt solution used is especially a cobalt salt solution, containing at least one oxidizer. The oxidizer may be hydrogen peroxide, for example. The oxidizer may also be made available by blowing air into the metal salt solution. If, in accordance with the preferred type of application of the invention, the metal salt solution is a cobalt (II) salt solution, the oxidizer is preferred to be used with the proviso that at least part of the cobalt (II) is oxidized into cobalt (III). - Subsequent to the treatment with the metal salt solution, the plastic surface is as πnsed as required.
In accordance with the preferred type of application of the invention, the plastic surface is immersed into a aqueous alkaline solution between the process steps 1.2) and 1J).
The treatment or immersion time is preferably 10 seconds to 3 minutes, .5 to 2 mm- utes is very much preferred. Preferably, a bath temperature of maximally 30°C is used, 15 to 25°C is preferred. For practical purposes, the aqueous alkaline solution has a pH value of 9 to 14. The immersion in the aqueous alkaline solution is preferably in a dilute sodium lye. The scope of the invention includes the use of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide and/or sodium carbonate for making the aqueous alkaline solution. It is very much preferred that the aqueous alkaline solution contain 5 to 50 g/1 sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Preferred here is the concentration of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to be the higher, the higher the metal salt concentration of the metal salt solution. In pπnciple, the plastic surface, instead of a aqueous alkaline solution, may also be treated with a aqueous acid dip solution. - It is withm the scope of the invention to rmse with water or distilled wa- ter, respectively, subsequent to the immersion treatment.
In accordance with the preferred type of application of the invention, the plastic surface is treated with an alkaline solution of an alkali metal sulfide according to process step 1J). An ammonium sulfide may also be used. The sulfide, for example, may be a monosul- fide, disulfide, tetrasulfide or a polysulfide. According to the preferred procedure an alkali metal sulfide (M2S, M = alkali metal) is used, for practical purposes sodium sulfide (Na2S). The concentration of the alkali metal monosulfide, preferably the sodium sulfide, is preferred to be .5 to 10 g/1; very much preferred is 2 to 8 g/1. For practical purposes, the alkali solution of the alkali metal sulfide contains 5 to 25 g/1 of sodium hydroxide, for example 10 g/1 sodium hydroxide. The treatment with the sulfide solution preferably takes place over a time peπod of 15 seconds to 5 minutes; very much preferred is 30 seconds to 2 minutes. - The treatment with the sulfide solution in accordance with process step 1.3) is earned out preferably at a maximum temperature of 30°C; a temperature of between 15 and 25°C is preferred. - Subsequent to the treatment with the sulfide solution πnsmg as required takes place, for example 1 to 3 minutes with cold water. It is withm the scope of the invention that the metal salt solution, preferably a cobalt salt solution and/or the sulfide solution, has added a complex builder for stabilizing of the affected solution. Thus, the metal salt solution may at least partially contain the metal m the form of a metal complex. It is further withm the scope of the invention that the metal salt solution and/or the sulfide solution have a wetting agent added so that improved wetting of the plastic surface results.
Withm the scope of the invention, a sulfide solution can be used which contains at least one substance from the group "Alcohol, diol, polyol, ployalkanglycol, ployalkenglycol, gel/sol-buildmg substance, such as silicic acid gel or aluminum oxide gel". It is withm the scope of the invention to use mixtures of these substances in the sulfide solution. - Withm the scope of the invention, a metal salt solution, preferably a cobalt salt solution, may also be used which contains at least one substance from the group "Alcohol, diol, polyol, ployalkan- glycol, ployalkenglycol, gel/sol-buildmg substance, such as silicic acid gel or aluminum oxide gel". It is withm the scope of the invention to use mixtures of these substances in the metal salt solution.
According to the very much preferred type of application of the invention, drying of the plastic surface is carried out between process step 1J) and process step 1.4). It is withm the scope of the invention that the drying is effected by a heat treatment of the plastic surface (with increased temperature). Preferably, the metallizing of the plastic surface occurs only subsequent to the drying. In principle, when applying the process in accordance with the invention, the treatment with the metal salt solution and/or the treatment with the sulfide solu- tion may be repeated. It is withm the scope of the invention that in the case of multiple treatment with the sulfide solution, the plastic surface is dried subsequent to any treatment.
After completion of procedure step 13), the direct metallization of the plastic surface may proceed According to a very much preferred procedure which is especially significant withm the scope of the invention, the plastic surface is nickel plated in a nickel bath in ac- cordance with procedure step 1.4). To this extent an electrolytic direct metallization can be carried out. Electro-chemical nickel plating preferably takes place in a Watts electrolyte. In practice, the treatment time is 10 to 15 minutes in this connection, and the electrolyte temperature is preferred to be 30 to 40°C. It is withm the scope of the invention that for electrochemical nickel plating an initial current density of 3 A/dm2 is used which later is increased to 3 A/dm2. In this manner a nickel layer can be deposited on the plastic surface by electrolytic metallizing.
First, the invention is based on the knowledge that the plastic surface when etched as described m the invention is manipulated in such a manner that ultimately, surpnsmgly, a very tight adherence of the applied metal layer to the plastic surface is achieved. These tightly adhering metal layers show a high temperature cycling resistance and, accordingly, survive all the customary temperature cycling shocks. Further, the invention is based on the knowledge that using the process descπbed in the invention conditions can be created withm a relatively short time which are optimally suited for the subsequent application of the metal or the nickel layer, respectively. Although it is basic to the scope of the invention that the process steps are repeated and especially to repeat steps 1.2) and 1.3), surpnsmgly, optimal results are also achievable without the repetition of these process steps. Withm the scope of the invention, with little investment and little matenal consumption, high-quality metal layers, especially nickel layers, are obtained on plastic surfaces. Neither does it require complex equipment, and traditional or commonly available fixtures can be used. In order to apply the process which is the subject of the invention, it is of advantage that only limited space is required. In addition, the time involved in applying the process which is the subject of this in- vention is short, so that also a substantial time savings results when compared with the known processes. Further, the process can be controlled m a functionally secure and simple manner which ultimately affects the quality of the metal layers. It is of special significance withm the scope of the invention that by the application of the measures contained m the m- vention, a surprising variety of plastics can be metallized effectively and in a functionally secure manner. This is especially surpnsmg m view of the fact that only a certain few plastics could be satisfactory metallized with the processes known heretofore. First, pure ABS can be metallized optimally and without problems using the process which is the subject of the invention. This also applies to ABS/PC blends and especially also to ABS/PC blends with a relatively high PC component (PC = Polycarbonate). Pure PC can also be metallized without problems with the help of the process which is the subject of the invention. Such an effective and functionally secure metallization, surprisingly, is also possible with many other plastics, among others especially also m the case of the following plastics: POM (polyoxymethylene), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PP (polypropylene). In view of the fact that, m accordance with the invention, etching of the plastic surface at high temperatures is not necessary, energy savings may also be achieved. Since only mild etching conditions are required, the most varied etching solutions can be used in different ways so that the process which is the subject of the invention is not subject to restnctions from this point of view either. Based on the mild etching solutions to be adjusted in accordance with the invention, it is of advantage to dis- pense with aggressive etching solution components, for example chromic acid. - Due to the fact that preferably the process steps 1 J), 1 J) and 1.3) are carried out at a maximum temperature of 30°C, preferably at a temperature of 15 to 25°C, the process which is the subject of the invention only requires mild conditions over-all which, among others, results a considerable energy savings. In addition, due to the mild conditions, undesirable side reactions are avoided to a large extent. With the process which is the subject of the invention, a very selective metallization of the plastic surface can be achieved. It should be emphasized that with this procedure the use of racks can be avoided in a functionally secure manner.
In the following, the process is explained on the basis of an example: Depending on the plastic type to be metallized, either an acid or an alkaline etching solution is employed. In accordance with a preferred type of application of the invention, an acid etching solution is used for mild etching, consisting of 100 to 300 ml/1 water, 700 to 900 ml/1 concentrated phosphoric acid and 3 to 7 g/1 potassium permanganate. According to an application example, the acid etching solution consists of 74% by weight of phosphoric acid, 26% by weight of water and 5 g potassium permanganate According to another type of application of the invention, an alkaline etching solution is used for mild etching which, practice contains 20 to 40 g/1 sodium hydroxide and 5 to 15 g/1 potassium permanganate. In accordance with an application example, the aqueous alkaline etching solution consists of 30 g/1 sodium hydroxide and 10 g/1 potassium permanganate. With the acid etching solution or the alkaline etching solution explained above, etching takes place preferably at room temperature over a period of 10 minutes. Subsequent to the etching treatment, the plastic surface is nnsed as re- quired. - Furthermore, m accordance with the preferred type of application of the invention, an ammomacal metal salt solution is employed which contains .1 to 12 g/1 cobalt (II) sulfate, as well as 10 to 50 ml/1 25% ammonia solution. Activation with the cobalt salt solution preferably occurs at room temperature i.e. during a treatment time of 5 to 10 minutes. Subsequent to the activation with the cobalt salt solution, the plastic surface is rmsed with water as re- quired. - For the aqueous alkaline solution into which the part preferably is immersed subsequent to the treatment with the metal salt solution, 10 to 50 g/1 sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water. In accordance with an application example, a aqueous alkaline solution with 20 g/1 sodium hydroxide is employed. Immersion in the aqueous alkaline solution, in practice, takes place at room temperature and over a treatment time period of .5 to 2 minutes. - Preferably, a sulfide solution is used as the alkaline sulfide solution which contains .5 to 10 g/1 sodium sulfide (Na2S), as well as 5 to 26 g/1 sodium hydroxide. According to a preferred application example, an alkaline alkali sulfide solution is employed which contains 5 g/1 sodium sulfide (Na2S), as well as 10 g/1 sodium hydroxide. Preferably, the sulfide treatment is carried out at room temperature and over a treatment penod of .5 to 5 minutes. Subsequent to the sulfide treatment, the plastic surface is rmsed with water as required. It is withm the scope of the invention that prior to the metallization, especially nickel plating, the plastic surface is dried.
The invention is explained in more detail m the following by means of six examples
The application examples 1 and 2 correspond to the state of the art (compaπson examples), while examples 3 to 6 clarify the process which is the subject of the invention. In the app - cation examples 1, 3 and 5 ABS plastic discs with a surface of 50 cm2 were used, while die- pressed products of impact-resistant polystyrol with a surface of 70 cm2 were used for examples 2, 4 and 6. In the following, the notation "M" corresponds to the concentration "mol/1".
Application Example 1 Disks of ABS plastic having a surface of 50 cm2 were pickled for 3 minutes at 70°C m a etching solution consisting of 4 M H2S04 and 3.5 M Cr03. Subsequently, there was a πnse with water. Following this, the plastic articles were treated for 30 seconds in an ammomacal solution with .5 M CuS04 • 5 H20 having a pH value of 9.5 and a temperature of 20°C. The plastic articles then were submerged for 20 seconds in distilled water and, subsequently, for 30 seconds treated with a sulfide solution, containing . M Na2S2 and having a temperature of 20°C. After this treatment, the plastic articles were again washed m cold wa- ter. Following this was electro-chemical nickel plating. For this, the articles were treated for 15 minutes in a Watts electrolyte, containing 1J M NiS04 • 7 H20, .2 M NiCl2 • 6 H20 and .5 M H3BO3. The initial current was 3 A/dm2, and the nickel plating was carried out at 40°C.
Application Example 2 Die-pressed articles of impact-resistant polystyrol having a surface of 70 cm2 were pickled for 30 seconds in a etching solution, containing 15 M H2S04 and A M Cr03 and having a temperature of 20°C. Subsequently, the articles were washed in water and following that were immersed for 30 seconds in an emulsion of .2 g/1 Xylol and .2 g/1 Sintanol at 20°C. After the etching treatment, the articles were washed with distilled water. The articles then were treated for 30 seconds with a metal salt solution, containing .5 M CuS04 • 5 H20 Monoethanolamin having the pH value adjusted to 9.8, and the temperature of the solution was 20°C. Subsequently, the articles were immersed in distilled water for 20 seconds and following this treated with a sulfide solution for 30 seconds which contained M NaS and had a temperature of 20°C. Subsequently, the treatment with the metal salt solution and the following treatment with the sulfide solution as described above was repeated. After this treatment the articles were rinsed in distilled water and electro-chemically nickel plated in a Watts electrolyte as described in Application Example 1.
Application Example 3 The surface of the ABS plastic parts was pickled at room temperature with a solution of 15 M H2S04 and .05 M KMn04 . After the etching, the articles were rinsed with water and subsequently treated in an amoniacal solution for 10 minutes which contained A M CoS04 and had a pH value of 10 as well as a temperature of 20°C. Following this, the articles were treated with water which had been acidified with H2S04 to a pH value of 1. Subsequently, for a period of 30 seconds, there was a treatment with a sulfide solution containing .01 M Na2S2. After this treatment, the articles were rinsed with distilled water and then electro-chemically nickel plated with a Watts electrolyte in accordance with Application Example 1.
Application Example 4 The surface of the articles of impact-resistant polystyrol was pickled for a period of 10 minutes and at room temperature with a solution containing 17 M H2S04 and 1 M H202. After etching, the articles were rinsed with water and subsequently treated for 10 minutes with a solution containing .01 M CoF3 and monoethanolamine up to a pH value of 8 and at a temperature of 20°C. The articles then were immersed for 20 seconds in a aqueous alkaline solution which contained sufficient sodium hydroxide that it had a pH value of 14. Subsequently, they were treated for 30 seconds with a sulfide solution containing .05 M K2S4. The treated articles then were rmsed with distilled water, dried and then nickel plated for 15 minutes in a Watts electrolyte m accordance with Application Example 1.
Application Example 5 The surfaces of the ABS plastic articles were pickled at room temperature with a so- lution which contained 13 M H3P04 and .5 K2S209 After etching, the articles were rinsed with water Subsequently, they were treated for 10 minutes in a solution containing .25 M CoS04 and tπethanolamme up to a pH value of 9 at 20°C. Thereafter, the articles were immersed in a aqueous alkaline solution which had been set to a pH value of 9 with sodium carbonate. Subsequently, they were treated for 30 seconds in a sulfide solution, containing .02 K2S3. After the treatment, the plastic articles were rmsed with distilled water, dried and subsequently, over a time period of 15 minutes, electro-chemically nickel plated, using a Watts electrolyte accordance with Application Example 1.
Application Example 6 The surface of the articles of impact-resistant polystyrol was pickled at room tem- perature with a solution which contained 17 M H2S04 and .5 M KI04. After etching, the articles were rmsed with water and subsequently were treated with a solution, containing .01 M CoF3 which had been adjusted to a pH value of 12 with ammonia and which had a temperature of 20°C. The articles then were immersed for 20 seconds in an acidic solution which had been adjusted to a pH value of 5 with the help of acetic acid. Subsequently, the articles were treated for 30 seconds in a sulfide solution which contained .01 M Na2S. After this treatment, the articles were rmsed with distilled water, dried and subsequently electro-chemically nickel plated for 15 minutes, using a Watts electrolyte m accordance with Application Example 1.
The data relating to the processes carried out m accordance with the Application Examples 1 to 6, as well as the properties of the resulting metal layers are summarized in the following table.
Figure imgf000014_0002
Figure imgf000014_0001

Claims

We Claim:
1. A process for metallizing of a plastic surface, whereby the following process steps are carried out sequentially one after the other:
1J) The plastic surface is subjected to a etching treatment under mild etching conditions.
1.2) Subsequently, the plastic surface is treated with a metal salt solution which contains at least one salt of the group: "Cobalt salt, silver salt, tin salt, lead salt".
1.3) The plastic surface is treated with a sulfide solution.
1.4) Finally, the plastic surface is metallized.
2. A process in accordance with claim 1, whereby the etching treatment is carried out at a maximum temperature of 40°C, preferably a maximum of 30°C, during a treatment period of 3 to 154 minutes, preferably 5 to 10 minutes.
3. A process in accordance with claim 1, whereby the etching treatment is carried out at temperatures from about of 40°C to 95°C, preferably above 50°C to 70°C during a treatment period of 15 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably .5 to 3 minutes.
4. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 3, whereby etching is performed with an acid etching solution, containing at least one oxidizer.
5. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 4, whereby an acid aqueous etching solution is used, containing permanganate and phosphoric acid and/or sulfuric acid.
6. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 5, whereby the etching treatment is performed with a permanganate-containing aqueous alkaline solution.
7. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 6, whereby the treatment with the metal salt solution is performed at a temperature of less than or equal to 30°C, preferably at a temperature between about 15 and 25°C.
8. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 7, whereby a metal salt solution is used the pH value of which is set to between 7.5 and 12.5, preferably between 8 and 12.
9. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 8, whereby a metal salt solution is used which contains ammonia and/or at least one amine.
10. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 9, whereby a cobalt salt solution is used as the metal salt solution and the cobalt salt solution contains to 15 g/1 cobalt (II) salt, preferably .5 to 12 g/1 cobalt (II) salt.
11. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 10, whereby a metal salt solution, especially a cobalt salt solution, is used which contains at least one oxidizer.
12. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 11, whereby between process steps
1.2) and 1.3) an immersion of the plastic surface in a aqueous alkaline solution is performed.
13. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 12, whereby in the process step
1.3) the plastic surface is treated with an alkaline solution of an alkali metal sulfide.
14. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 13, whereby the treatment with the sulfide solution in accordance with process step 1.3) is performed at a temperature of less than or equal to 30°C, preferably at a temperature of between 15 and 25°C.
15. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 14, whereby between process steps 1.3) and 1.4) the plastic surface is dried.
16. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 15, whereby the plastic surface is nickel plated in a nickel bath in accordance with process step 1.4).
PCT/US1999/026066 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface WO2000029646A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002350422A CA2350422A1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
US09/831,008 US6712948B1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
MXPA01004811A MXPA01004811A (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface.
BR9915280-0A BR9915280A (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
KR1020017006001A KR20010086023A (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
AU12433/00A AU1243300A (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
JP2000582621A JP2002530529A (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Metallization process for plastic surfaces

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LT98-161A LT4713B (en) 1998-11-13 1998-11-13 Process for obtaining electrical conductive coating on dielectric surface
LT98-161 1998-11-13
DE19904665.4 1999-02-04
DE1999104665 DE19904665A1 (en) 1999-02-04 1999-02-04 Metallization of plastic surfaces used for decorative purposes involves pickling under moderate conditions, treating with metal salt and with sulfide solution and metallizing
EP99115967.4 1999-08-13
EP99115967A EP1001052B1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-08-13 Method for metallizing a plastic surface

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/831,008 A-371-Of-International US6712948B1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface
US10/703,057 Continuation US20040096584A1 (en) 1998-11-13 2003-11-06 Process for metallizing a plastic surface

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000029646A1 true WO2000029646A1 (en) 2000-05-25

Family

ID=27218955

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/026066 WO2000029646A1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-11-05 Process for metallizing a plastic surface

Country Status (8)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2002530529A (en)
CN (1) CN1184361C (en)
AU (1) AU1243300A (en)
BR (1) BR9915280A (en)
CA (1) CA2350422A1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA01004811A (en)
TW (1) TWI221163B (en)
WO (1) WO2000029646A1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1174530A2 (en) * 2000-07-20 2002-01-23 Shipley Company LLC Methods of producing conductor layers on dielectric surfaces
EP1281792A2 (en) * 2001-08-02 2003-02-05 Shipley Co. L.L.C. A combined adhesion promotion and direct metallization process
WO2005031035A2 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-04-07 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for producing thin semiconductor films by deposition from solution
KR100764556B1 (en) * 2001-08-04 2007-10-08 엔쏜 인코포레이티드 Procedure for the metallization of plastic surfaces
EP1959029A1 (en) * 2005-12-06 2008-08-20 Ebara-Udylite Co., Ltd. Palladium complex and catalyst-imparting treatment solution using the same
US7578947B2 (en) 2005-10-28 2009-08-25 Enthone Inc. Method for etching non-conductive substrate surfaces
US8394289B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2013-03-12 Okuno Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd. Composition for etching treatment of resin molded article
WO2015183304A1 (en) * 2014-05-30 2015-12-03 Uab Rekin International Chrome-free adhesion pre-treatment for plastics
US9657226B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2017-05-23 Okuno Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. Composition for etching treatment of resin material

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004026489B3 (en) * 2004-05-27 2005-09-29 Enthone Inc., West Haven Process for the metallization of plastic surfaces
JP4494309B2 (en) * 2005-08-05 2010-06-30 柿原工業株式会社 Method for improving corrosion resistance of copper-free nickel-chromium resin plating
JP4494310B2 (en) * 2005-08-05 2010-06-30 柿原工業株式会社 Film formation method for copper-free resin plating
US7354870B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2008-04-08 National Research Council Of Canada Process for chemical etching of parts fabricated by stereolithography
WO2007116493A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-18 Ebara-Udylite Co., Ltd. Surface modification liquid for plastic and method of metallizing plastic surface therewith
KR20100014699A (en) * 2007-04-18 2010-02-10 에바라 유지라이토 가부시키가이샤 Etching solution, and method for metallization of plastic surface employing the method
JP4849420B2 (en) * 2007-06-20 2012-01-11 奥野製薬工業株式会社 Method for electrolytic treatment of etching solution
PL2025708T3 (en) 2007-08-10 2010-03-31 Enthone Chromium-free etchant for plastic surfaces
JP5339023B2 (en) * 2007-10-09 2013-11-13 奥野製薬工業株式会社 Smear removing composition
CN102668044A (en) * 2009-11-18 2012-09-12 3M创新有限公司 Novel wet etching agent for II-VI semiconductors and method
DE102011111294B4 (en) * 2011-08-26 2018-12-20 Atotech Deutschland Gmbh Process for the treatment of plastic substrates and apparatus for the regeneration of a treatment solution
EP2639333A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-18 Atotech Deutschland GmbH Method for metallising non-conductive plastic surfaces
EP2639334A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-18 Atotech Deutschland GmbH Method for metallising non-conductive plastic surfaces
EP2639332A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-18 Atotech Deutschland GmbH Method for metallising non-conductive plastic surfaces
LT6070B (en) * 2012-12-07 2014-09-25 Atotech Deutschland Gmbh Preparation of plastic surface for chemical metallization process
EP2767614A1 (en) * 2013-02-13 2014-08-20 ATOTECH Deutschland GmbH Method for depositing a first metallic layer onto non-conductive polymers
CN104975276B (en) * 2014-04-11 2019-07-12 深圳市泛友科技有限公司 The method and plastic components of selective metal route are formed in frosting
CN105369227B (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-08-25 丽水学院 Stabilizer for acid permanganate soln
JP6750293B2 (en) * 2016-04-28 2020-09-02 栗田工業株式会社 How to treat plastic surface
CN106086838B (en) * 2016-06-21 2019-04-02 太仓碧奇新材料研发有限公司 Neodymium zinc-cobalt alloy/polypropylene timbering material preparation method
CN106011801A (en) * 2016-06-27 2016-10-12 镇江阿尔法特种镀膜科技有限公司 Roughening solution for special engineering plastic
JP6288213B1 (en) * 2016-11-01 2018-03-07 栗田工業株式会社 Plastic surface treatment method
WO2018115338A1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2018-06-28 Hso Herbert Schmidt Gmbh & Co. Kg Pickling solution for pickling synthetic materials
EP3825441A1 (en) * 2019-11-21 2021-05-26 COVENTYA S.p.A. An electrolytic treatment device for preparing plastic parts to be metallized and a method for etching plastic parts

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4810333A (en) * 1987-12-14 1989-03-07 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process
US4917761A (en) * 1989-08-14 1990-04-17 Eastman Kodak Company Method of rendering polymeric materials hydrophilic for etching
US4919768A (en) * 1989-09-22 1990-04-24 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process
US5110633A (en) * 1989-09-01 1992-05-05 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Process for coating plastics articles
US5192590A (en) * 1989-11-03 1993-03-09 Raychem Corporation Coating metal on poly(aryl ether ketone) surfaces
US5238550A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-08-24 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4810333A (en) * 1987-12-14 1989-03-07 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process
US4917761A (en) * 1989-08-14 1990-04-17 Eastman Kodak Company Method of rendering polymeric materials hydrophilic for etching
US5110633A (en) * 1989-09-01 1992-05-05 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Process for coating plastics articles
US4919768A (en) * 1989-09-22 1990-04-24 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process
US5192590A (en) * 1989-11-03 1993-03-09 Raychem Corporation Coating metal on poly(aryl ether ketone) surfaces
US5238550A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-08-24 Shipley Company Inc. Electroplating process

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1174530A2 (en) * 2000-07-20 2002-01-23 Shipley Company LLC Methods of producing conductor layers on dielectric surfaces
EP1174530A3 (en) * 2000-07-20 2004-02-04 Shipley Company LLC Methods of producing conductor layers on dielectric surfaces
KR100816667B1 (en) * 2000-07-20 2008-03-27 롬 앤드 하스 일렉트로닉 머트어리얼즈, 엘.엘.씨 Methods of producing conductor layers on dielectric surfaces
US6887561B2 (en) 2000-07-20 2005-05-03 Shipley Company, L.L.C. Methods and producing conductor layers on dielectric surfaces
EP1281792A2 (en) * 2001-08-02 2003-02-05 Shipley Co. L.L.C. A combined adhesion promotion and direct metallization process
EP1281792A3 (en) * 2001-08-02 2004-07-07 Shipley Co. L.L.C. A combined adhesion promotion and direct metallization process
US6790334B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2004-09-14 Shipley Company, L.L.C. Combined adhesion promotion and direct metallization process
KR100764556B1 (en) * 2001-08-04 2007-10-08 엔쏜 인코포레이티드 Procedure for the metallization of plastic surfaces
US7163835B2 (en) 2003-09-26 2007-01-16 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for producing thin semiconductor films by deposition from solution
WO2005031035A3 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-06-30 Du Pont Method for producing thin semiconductor films by deposition from solution
WO2005031035A2 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-04-07 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for producing thin semiconductor films by deposition from solution
US7578947B2 (en) 2005-10-28 2009-08-25 Enthone Inc. Method for etching non-conductive substrate surfaces
EP1959029A1 (en) * 2005-12-06 2008-08-20 Ebara-Udylite Co., Ltd. Palladium complex and catalyst-imparting treatment solution using the same
EP1959029A4 (en) * 2005-12-06 2013-07-17 Ebara Udylite Kk Palladium complex and catalyst-imparting treatment solution using the same
US8394289B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2013-03-12 Okuno Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd. Composition for etching treatment of resin molded article
US9657226B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2017-05-23 Okuno Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. Composition for etching treatment of resin material
WO2015183304A1 (en) * 2014-05-30 2015-12-03 Uab Rekin International Chrome-free adhesion pre-treatment for plastics
US10920321B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2021-02-16 Uab Rekin International Chrome-free adhesion pre-treatment for plastics

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MXPA01004811A (en) 2002-09-18
AU1243300A (en) 2000-06-05
JP2002530529A (en) 2002-09-17
CN1184361C (en) 2005-01-12
TWI221163B (en) 2004-09-21
CA2350422A1 (en) 2000-05-25
CN1333843A (en) 2002-01-30
BR9915280A (en) 2001-08-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2000029646A1 (en) Process for metallizing a plastic surface
US6712948B1 (en) Process for metallizing a plastic surface
TWI490311B (en) Etching of plastic using acidic solutions containing trivalent manganese
KR100188481B1 (en) Method for directly electroplating a dielectric substrate and plated substrate so produced
KR20010086023A (en) Process for metallizing a plastic surface
JPH11256348A (en) Electroless plating method
JP2005336614A (en) Method for metallizing plastic surface
WO2005094394A2 (en) Non-chrome plating on plastic
KR100541893B1 (en) Method for metal coating of substrates
JP2003064480A (en) Method for forming copper-resin composite material
DE19510855C2 (en) Process for the selective or partial electrolytic metallization of substrates made of non-conductive materials
CN110139946B (en) Chromium-free plating etch on plastics
US20030039754A1 (en) Preactivation of plastic surfaces to be metallized
US6541080B1 (en) Double-dip Pd/Sn crosslinker
JPS585983B2 (en) Method and apparatus for stably producing metal complexes for electroless metal deposition
EP1546435B1 (en) Method for pretreating a surface of a non-conducting material to be plated
EP0590046B1 (en) Basic accelerating solutions for direct electroplating
KR970005444B1 (en) Method for electro-plating wood
JP2008031536A (en) Direct plating method
CA2355260A1 (en) Double-dip pd/sn crosslinker
JPH02149695A (en) Surface treatment of magnesium material
JPH05287583A (en) Method for directly forming electroplating layer on non-electroconductive material surface
RU2077605C1 (en) Solution for preliminary preparation of surface of plastics for applying metal coatings
CN101255584A (en) Method for plating metal on plastic surface
JPH04311575A (en) Method for treating and conditioning surface of magnesium alloy

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 99815493.8

Country of ref document: CN

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2000 12433

Country of ref document: AU

Kind code of ref document: A

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 09831008

Country of ref document: US

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2350422

Country of ref document: CA

Ref document number: 2350422

Country of ref document: CA

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/2001/004811

Country of ref document: MX

Ref document number: 1020017006001

Country of ref document: KR

Ref document number: 12433/00

Country of ref document: AU

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2000 582621

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1020017006001

Country of ref document: KR

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1020017006001

Country of ref document: KR