Surface modification of ABS polymer by electroless deposition of thin nickel film from a solution without reducing agent

Abstract

ABSTRACT For preparation of acrylonitrile–butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, suitable for electrodeposition of a subsequent metal coating, a modification of the activated polymer surface by electroless nickel deposition in an alkaline nickel citrate-based solution without reducing agent is proposed. The influence of the main components of the solution and the working conditions on the mass of the nickel deposit has been studied. The modified surface was characterised using SEM, EDS and XPS analyses. The obtained nickel in oxidised state is sufficient to conduct current for subsequent electrodeposition of copper coating.