The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Electroplating Plastic

I am writing a research paper about electroplating plastic. I know plastic components used in automotive and electronic industries are often electroplated with chromium, nickel or copper but how is plastic made electrically conductive, how is the metal bonded to the plastic?

Christine Q.
student - Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
2003

---

You see this question asked and answered in detail a few times on this site. Basically, the plastic is etched to give it tooth, then it is "sensitized" with a palladium chloride, or tin chloride, or sequential application of both, which leaves receptor spots on the plastic. Then electroless nickel (actually autocatalytic nickel) begins depositing on the receptor sites, and upon it itself. Then the parts is plated with several layers of nickel, then chrome plate.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

---

Hey I'm going to write an essay on Electroplating plastics. The question I would like to ask is that:
"How is metal bonded to the plastic during the process of electroplating?"
Please answer this question ASAP.
Thank you

PALAK DESAI
- Toronto,Ontario,Canada
2006

---

That was already asked and answered, Palak--although you may not have understood the implication when I said "the plastic is etched to give it tooth". The bond is strictly mechanical.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

finishing.com is made possible by ...