Surface Conditioning for Electroless Nickel Plating of Filled PBT (Electroless Nickel Plating of Mineral-Filled PBT)

This paper analyzes the results of electroless nickel plating on mineral-filled PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). The beneficial effects of the etching solution on the PBT surface are investigated under two different chemical conditions. The composition and surface topography of the PBT are also characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDAX). The results show that appropriate chemical etching of the mineral-filled PBT surface is a critical factor in achieving good adhesion of the deposited nickel coating to the substrate. Finally, adhesion tests are performed to evaluate electroless Ni–P coatings deposited on the mineral-filled PBT substrate through an autocatalytic process. Based on the results, it is demonstrated that polymers such as mineral-filled PBT can be coated with metallic layers, provided that the process duration is carefully controlled. Additionally, the incorporation of hydrofluoric acid into conventional etching methods enabled the application of a nickel coating by electroless nickel plating onto mineral-filled PBT. An average coating thickness in the range of 2 to 4 μm was achieved.