ON THE MECHANISMS OF PLATING ON PLASTICS

This is a general, yet chemically detailed introduction to plating of plastics. The emphasis is on plating of ABS plastics, with explanation s for the widespread use of this plastic. Many concepts, from the thre e-dimensional structure of ABS plastics, to the use of Pourbaix diagra ms to explain electroless nickel plating, are integrated. The result i s a step-by-step study of the whole process, from pre-etchants to elec troless nickel. ESCA characterization and transmission electron micros copy are used to explain the surface chemistry.