Novel green process to modify ABS surface before its metallization: optophysic treatment

The preconditioning of an ABS surface prior to metallization was achieved by a new technique, here named optophysic treatment. The dry procedure consists of alternating corona discharges and UV. The substrates are metallized by either the electroless or dynamic chemical plating (DCP) method. The surface modification is attributed to capture-release of charges, chemical modification on the surface, and a preferential removing of polybutadiene domains. Corona and UV cause superficial and depth ozonolysis, respectively, which increase oxygen content and propitiate a final hydrophilic surface. Corona acts by stripping more efficiently UV reticulated polymeric chains. Deposits with adhesions that surpass those of conventional electroless are obtained with optophysic treatment and a precoating by DCP.