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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Polypropylene sputtering

I am doing some tests to coat with aluminum a polypropylene surface. The adhesion seems not so good like in other plastic surfaces like Polycarbonate. Has anybody such an experience? Should I use first glow discharge to clean and prepare the surface? Is there a lacquer to protect the surface after sputtering?

Thanks,

Oscar Salinas
Meisa - Mexico City, Mexico
2002

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Usually a glow discharge or ion beam clean of polymers will help remove organics, drive water out of the polymer and leave free chemical bonds on the surface. All these things can help adhesion of metal to the polymer. To be honest, I am surprised you are getting good results on polycarbonate without pre-cleaning it.

John Davis
- Berthoud, Colorado, USA
2002