Metallization of 3D-printed polymer structures via supercritical carbon dioxide-assisted electroless plating

Abstract

3D-printed polymer structures were successfully metalized by a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)-assisted electroless plating process. ScCO2 was used as the solvent in the catalyzation step, and the source of the catalyst was palladium bis-hexafluoroacetylacetonate. Ni–P coatings were deposited on surfaces of the catalyzed polymer structure with a commercially available solution. Electrical resistance of the Ni–P metallized polymer structure was measured, and the adhesion of the Ni–P coating on the polymer structure was evaluated by a tape adhesion test. The electrical resistance was 0.03 Ω and maintained at a low level of 0.04 Ω after the tape adhesion test.