TREATING POLYMERIC SUBSTRATES PRIOR TO PLATING

摘要

The present invention is directed to a process and composition effective prior to the electroless plating of polymeric substrates to substantially completely remove hexavalent chromium ions present in the aqueous acidic solution utilized to etch the plastic part. This novel result is accomplished by treating the polymeric substrate with a hydroxylamine salt in an acidic solution which may contain hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or partially neutralized acidic salts. The process and composition of this invention may be employed as a neutralizer prior to the activating step or subsequent thereto as an accelerator, or at both locations in the process for maximum effectiveness.