PROCESS FOR METALLIZING NONCONDUCTIVE PLASTIC SURFACES

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for metallizing nonconductive plastics using an etching solution free of both trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. The etching solution is based on an sulphuric acidic solution containing a source of chlorate ions. After the treatment of the plastics with the etching solution, the plastics are metallized by means of known processes.

主权项

1. Process for metallizing electrically nonconductive plastic surfaces of articles, comprising the process steps of:
A) etching the plastic surface with an aqueous etching solution; B) treating the plastic surface with a solution of a metal colloid or of a compound of a metal, the metal being selected from the metals of transition group I of the Periodic Table of the Elements and transition group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and C) metallizing the plastic surface with a metallizing solution;characterized in that the etching solution comprises a source of chlorate ions resulting in a concentration of 0.0016 to 0.12 mol/l of chlorate ions and 50-80% v/v sulfuric acid,wherein the etching solution is free of chromium III ions and is free of chromium VI ions.