A review on the direct electroplating of polymeric materials

Abstract

This work is a review of the literature on the possibilities for electroplating of polymer materials. Methods of metalizing polymers and their composites were presented and discussed. Information from various publications on the electrical properties of polymers and polymer composites was collected and discussed. The most important results on the electroplating of conductive polymers and conductive composites were presented and compared. This work especially focuses on the electrical conductivity of polymer materials. The main focus was the efficiency of metal electrodeposition. Based on the analyzed publications, it was found that electrically deposited metal layers on conductive polymeric materials show discontinuity, considerable roughness, and different layer thickness depending on the distance from the contact electrode. The use of metal nanoparticles (AgNWs) or nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) as a filler enables effective metallization of the polymer composite. Due to the high aspect ratio, it is possible to lower the percolation threshold with a low filler content in the polymer matrix. The presented review reveals many of the problems associated with the effectiveness of the electroplating methods. It indicates the need and direction for further research and development in the field of electroplating of polymer materials and modification of their electrical properties.