Abstract:
A spent chromic acid etching solution, which has been used, for example, to etch plastic substrates, is regenerated by adding, with mixing, an alkali metal permanganate, such as potassium permanganate, and separating the resulting sludge which forms. During the regeneration process trivalent chromium in the etchant is oxidized to hexavalent chromium. The regenerated etching solution, thus recovered, is utilized as an etchant per se or it may be reconstituted with added sulfuric acid and/or chromic acid as required.
Abstract:
AQUEOUS DILUTE SURFACTANT SOLUTIONS ARE EMPLOYED IN THE TREATMENT OF PLASTIC SUBSTRATES TO PREPARE THEM FOR ELECTROLESS PLAING TO ENSURE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE SUBSTRATE SURFACE BY THE METAL. THE SUBSTRATES ARE IMMERSED IN THE SUFACTANT SOLUTION AS A PRELIMINARY STEP IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ACTIVATION OF THE SUBSTRATE IN THE NORMAL CYCLE OF ELECTROLESS PLATING OPERATIONS, SUPPLANTING VARIOUS OTHER PRE-ACTIVATION STEPS AND, UNLIKE SUCH PRIOR STEPS, BEING OPERATIVE FOR ALL TYPES OF SYNTHETIC RESINS ENCOUNTERED IN ELECTROLESS PLATING OPERATIONS.
Abstract:
The invention discloses compositions for and methods of treating the surface of molded polyolefins, more especially polypropylene, polyethylene and polybutylene, prior to the deposition of a metallic plate thereon in order to improve the adherence of the plate to the surface of the polyolefin substrate. The compositions comprise stable, aqueous microemulsions of the oilin-water-type containing as the principal active agents a mixture of white phosphorus and trichloroethylene.
Abstract:
A METHOD IS DISCLOSED FOR TREATING PLASTIC SHEATHED METAL JIGS OR RACKS CONVENTIONALLY USED IN SUPPORTING AND TRANSPORTING NONCONDUCTIVE ARTICLES THROUGH CHEMICAL AND ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS IN THE COURSE OF A CONTINUOUS PLATING CYCLE FOR METALLIZING THE ARTICESS, WHEREBY TO PREVENT OR REDUCE DEPOSIT OF METAL ON THE RACKS THEMSELVES. O THIS END, THE RACKS ARE TREATED TO CAUSE ADSORPTION OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IONS AT THE SURFACE OF THEIR PLASTIC SHEATHED PROTIONS.
Abstract:
PLASTIC SUBSTRATES, SUCH AS POLYPROPYLENE, ABS, ETC. ARE PLATED WITH AN ADHERENT METAL COATING IN A PROCESS WHICH AVOIDS COMPLETELY THE ART-EMPLOYED STEPS OF ETCHING IN A CHROMIC-SULFURIC ACID SOLUTION AS WELL AS THE DEPOSITION OF A THIN COATING OF METAL ON THE SUBSTRATE FROM AN ELECTROLESS PLATING BATH PRIOR TO THE ELECTROLYTIC PLATING OPERATION. PLASTIC SUBSTRATES ARE (1) TREATED WITH A SOLUTION OR DISPERSION OF SULFUR IN A SUITABLE SOLVENT, SUCH AS A TRICHLOROETHYLENE, (2) CONTACTED WITH AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF A CUPROUS SALT; SUCH AS CUPROUS CHLORIDE, (3) OPTIONALLY TREATED WITH AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF PALLADIUM CHLORIDE AND FINALLY (4) ELECTROPLATED TO FORM A COATING OF THE DESIRED METAL OF THE DESIRED THICKNESS.
Abstract:
A METHOD OF ELECTROLESS METAL PLATING OF PLASTIC SUBSTRATES IS DISCLOSED INVOLVING THE USE OF A ONE-STEP ACID TIN-PALLADIUM CATALYST ACTIVATING SOLUTION PREPARED IN A PARTICULAR MANNER, RESULTING IN IMPROVED PLATING OPERATIONS AND PLATED SUBSTRATES.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for accelerating the activation of a polymeric plastic substrate in a chemical plating process incorporating a preliminary chromic acid etch involving immersing the substrate in an acidic dilute palladium chloride solution following activation, and rejuvenating that accelerating solution with periodic additions of stannous ions sufficient to reduce hexavalent chromium contamination carried over from the preliminary chromic acid etch to a prescribed maximum level without incurring substantial precipitation of palladium in the accelerating solution.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for treating the surface of a polymeric plastic substrate in a chemical plating process incorporating a preliminary chromic acid etch followed by one-step activation in a tin-palladium hydrosol. The method involves the step of immersing the substrate in a dilute aqueous acid solution of stannous chloride between the etching and activating steps.
Abstract:
Plastic parts are formed against an anodically treated aluminum surface by molding, laminating, etc., whereby the surface of the formed part after removal of or separation from the aluminum has a high-energy level and is receptive to adherent coatings of paint or metal plate. In particular, in addition to preparing plastic surfaces for acceptance and adhesion of paints, inks or the like, printed circuit boards and other metal-plated plastic substrates are prepared by first bonding anodically treated aluminum foil to a plastic substrate to provide a sacrificial cladding on the substrate, then stripping the aluminum chemically from the substrate, catalyzing the stripped surface and depositing a conductor metal plate thereon by electroless and/or electrolytic deposition, after application of a resist pattern of the desired circuit in the case of printed circuit boards.
Abstract:
A METHOD OF AND COMPOSITION FOR PROMOTING ADHESION BETWEEN PLATED METAL AND A PLASTIC SUBSTRATE, IN WHICH THE ACTIVE AGENT IS PROVIDED IN FINELY DIVIDED DISPERSED OR COLLOIDAL AQUEOUS EMULSION FORM. THE ACTIVE AGENTS ARE ANY OF A GROUP OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT ORGANIC UNSATURATED COMPOUNDS OF THE FATTY ACID TYPE, AND MORE ESPECIALLY OF THE GROUP OF NATURALLY OCCURRING PRODUCTS SUCH AS LINSEED, TALL, TUNG AND CASTOR OILS, TURPENTINE AND SIMILAR WOOD ROSINS. THESE, WHEN DISPERSED IN WATER TO PROVIDE STABLE EMULSIONS, ARE USED AS A PRETREATMENT BATH FOR PLASTIC SUBSTRATES, PRIOR TO PLATING OF THE SUBSTRATE, IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE FORMTAION OF A STRONGER BOND BETWEEN THE METAL PLATE AND SUBSTRATE.