Work

Metallization of 3D-Printed PET and PETG Samples with Different Filling Densities of the Inner Layers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aim of the study was to develop a suitable pre-treatment (and more specifically, the etching operation) of 3D-printed PET and PETG samples with different filling densities of the inner layers for subsequent electroless metallization. The influence of temperature, etching time, and sodium hydroxide concentration in the etching solution on the deposition rate, adhesion, and composition of Ni-P coatings was determined. The studies show that a high temperature and concentration of the etching solution do not improve the properties of the coating. The etching not only plays an important role in improving adhesion but also affects the composition and thickness of the nickel layer. It was also established how the degree of filling densities of the inner layers affects the uniformity, penetration depth, and thickness of electrolessly deposited Cu and Ni-P coatings on 3D PETG samples.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18143401

Authors: Sonya Petrova, Diana Lazarova, Mihaela Georgieva, Maria Petrova, Dimiter Dobrev, Dimitre Ditchev

Institutions: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Technical University of Sofia, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics

Language: English

Topic: Electrodeposition and Electroless Coatings

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: European Commission, NextGenerationEU