Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene electroplating

Chemical reduction is used extensively nowadays for the deposition of nickel or copper as the first stage in the electroplating of plastics. The most widely used plastic as a basis for electroplating is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene co-polymer (ABS). Immersion of the plastic in a chromic acid-sulphuric acid mixture causes the butadiene particles to be attacked and oxidised, whilst making the material hydrophilic at the same time. The activation process which follows is necessary to enable the subsequent electroless nickel or copper to be deposited, since this will only take place in the presence of certain catalytic metals (especially silver and palladium), which are adsorbed on to the surface of the plastic. The adsorbed metallic film is produced by a prior immersion in a stannous chloride solution, which reduces the palladium or silver ions to the metallic state. The solutions mostly employed are acid palladium chloride or ammoniacal silver nitrate. The etched plastic can also be immersed first in acidified palladium chloride and then in an alkylamine borane, which likewise form metallic palladium catalytic nuclei. Colloidal copper catalysts are of some interest, as they are cheaper and are also claimed to promote better coverage of electroless copper. 

Electroplating chemicals n. Copper, gold, silver, chromium, and nickel are generally used as the conductive metal for plating. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins have been most widely used for electroplated articles. Others in commercial use for the process include cellulose acetate, some grades of polypropylene, polysulfones, polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide, nylons, and rigid PVC. 

Electroplating Chemicals n Copper, gold, silver, chromium, and nickel are generally used as the conductive metal for plating. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene... 

When chlorinated polyether is used instead of butadiene, a copolymer called acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene styrene (ACS) is produced. This copolymer has improved flame resistance and weatherability. [See also acrylonitrile-chlorinated styrene (ACS) teropolymer polyethylene styrene (ACS) terpolymer.] Acrylic styrene acrylonitrile (ASA) is produced by grafting an acrylic ester elastomer onto the styreneacrylonitrile segment. This results in better outdoor weathering. ASA is used in products such as gutters, mailboxes, shutters, and outdoor furniture. (See also acrylic styrene acrylonitrile.) Modifications are also available that enhance adhesion of electroplated coating to the ABS plastic. ABS is the most widely used material for electroplated plastic parts. 

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