<italic>In-Situ</italic> Silver Nanoparticle Formation on Surface-Modified Polyetherimide Films

Abstract

This paper extends the scope of a novel process previously reported by the group for the hydrolysis and subsequent metallization of polyimide substrates to encompass polyetherimide. Silver nanoparticles are grown in-situ by chemical reduction of silver ions implanted in the substrate. Factors affecting the level of hydrolysis are investigated, with temperature of the hydrolyzing solution found to be the key factor. The presence of silver nanoparticles is also confirmed by X-ray diffraction.

Direct metallisation of polyetherimide substrates by activation with different metals

“…The metallisation process was performed as outlined in Figure 1. The PEI surface is first hydrolysed, breaking imide bonds to form amide bonds, which can then receive potassium ions, that are ion exchanged with the desired metal cation (m + ) [3].…”

“…reaching a market value of $1.77 Bn, with the growth being driven by thin photovoltaics, wearable electronics and sensing [1]. Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high temperature plastic (Tg=217 o C) offering thermal stability, mechanical strength, high radiation and chemical resistance, good adhesion, and a low dielectric constant [2,3]. For these reasons this material is suited to high value, high temperature applications, but has additional applications in additive manufacturing [4].…”

“…The polymer can be 3D printed by FDM (fused deposition modelling) or casted by injection moulding. Work by the authors highlighted the possibility of direct metallisation of PEI surfaces [3], and selective direct metallisation (DM) of electrical microcircuitry onto PEI, using a silver (Ag) catalyst and visible light, followed by electroless copper (Cu) plating [5]. This process was enhanced on the application of a wet photocatalyst sensitizer potassium chloride (KCl), which decreased the photoreduction time from several hours to seconds [6].…”

Method for electroless nickel plating on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate modified with primer and self-assembled monolayer

“…Geng et al [13] reported that the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at atmospheric pressure was used to improve the adhesion and hydrophilicity of PET nonwoven fabric. Watson et al [22] reported that the surface modification of PEI via in situ ion exchange in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. These methods could introduce functional groups to improve the affinity between the catalyst and surface, and then electroless copper or nickel plating on the surface of polymer.…”

“…These methods could introduce functional groups to improve the affinity between the catalyst and surface, and then electroless copper or nickel plating on the surface of polymer. To the best of our knowledge, some expensive reagents are involved and the operation processes are tedious which raise the operation [19][20][21][22].…”