Preparation of styrene-γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane/Pd nanoparticles as ink for ink-jet printing technology and electroless nickel plating on glass

This paper describes the development of a silane-based Pd catalyst used as activator to replace the traditional Pd/Sn colloid for electroless nickel deposition onto a glass substrate. In this study, a styrene-co-gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane oligomer (St-MPS) is synthesized by free radical polymerization method in acetone aqueous solution with potassium persulfate as the initiator firstly. The St-MPS oligomer can be used to reduce and stabilize Pd nanoparticles on the one hand. On the other hand, the hydrolysis and condensation reactions taking place between the silane units in St-MPS co-oligomers and glass substrate promote the adhesion of St-MPS/Pd catalyst and the subsequent nickel deposition. The adhesion strength is also demonstrated being affected by pre-heat conditions and thickness of Ni coating. Based on our results, a Ni layer with a thickness of 8.51 mu m is obtained after plating for 60 min. The ink based on St-MPS/Pd colloids is successfully inkjet printed onto a glass substrate. The formed palladium layer is subjected to electroless nickel plating, yielding well-defined nickel pattern. (C) 2016 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.