IMPROVEMENT IN ADHESION OF ELECTROLESS COATING ON PLASTIC SUBSTRATES: A REVIEW

This article reviews four methods for enhancing adhesion viz. electroless copper polyalloy plating in combination with UV/ozonolysis irradiation, laser-induced selective activation (LISA) method, novel plating with assisted super-critical (sc) CO₂, and molecular bonding with electroless spray plating. The ultraviolet lights help to clean plastic surfaces and removes any carbonaceous residue, which results in excellent adhesion. Laser is applied to clean, roughen, and activate the plastic surface. The interlocking phenomenon between metal and plastic occurs due to super-critical CO₂ assistance. Due to the UV-grafting of P-TES and selfassemble of N-TES, adhesion between metal to the plastic substrate is enhanced.