Fabrication and study of properties in metallized ABS plastic

ABSTRACT

Coating metal on non-conductive substrates is known as metallization. Metallization became quite popular method these days owing to the fact the demand of metallic properties on non-conductive substances has grown. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a plastic which is being used by various industries mainly because it has a unique combination of toughness, strength and light weight when compared to other plastics. Need of metallization crops up when the industries desire for a material that is light in weight, yet is thermally and electrically conductive. Industries like automotive, textile and electronic are popularly consuming metallized plastic. This paper throws light on a successful method of metallization that deposits thick layer of copper metal on the plastic. This work includes the study of micrograph, qualitative assessment of adhesive strength by Tape test method and electrical performance measurement of the coating in order to understand its nature. The work demonstrates a less complex method as compared to conventional ones. Hence, demanding less time and money when performed in bulk.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrical resistivity
• plastics
• metal coated plastic
• metallization
• adhesion test