TREATMENT OF POLYMERS FOR SUBSEQUENT METALLIZATION USING INTENSE UV-RADIATION OR PLASMA AT ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE

The activation of polymer surfaces in glow discharges and the depositi on of metals from organo-metallic vapours, both at low pressure, are s tandard laboratory processes. The upscaling to industrial mass product applications is, however, hampered by cost and the time consumption n eeded for establishing a sufficient vacuum. Atmospheric pressure proce sses based on the same physical surface interactions show great promis e as replacements of some steps in galvanic plating. Successful metall izations are reported after treatment of polymers in barrier discharge s at atmospheric pressure. These may be applied directly to the surfac e of the workpiece or indirectly from within large-area monochromatic excimer UV lamps. Comparisons with excimer UV laser treatment are made . (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.