Metallization of PET textile utilizing supercritical CO2 catalyzation

Metallization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textiles was realized by conducting the catalyzation step in supercritical CO2 and using an organometallic compound, palladium bis-hexafluoracetylacetonate (Pd(hfa)2, as source of the palladium catalyst for the later Ni-P deposition step. Electrical resistance of the Ni-P/PET was evaluated before and after adhesion and high temperature incubation tests to reveal durability of the Ni-P/PET. Electrical resistances of the Ni-P/PET prepared at 343 K did not vary much after two cycles of the tape adhesion test when the deposition time was longer than 1.0 h. The Ni-P/PET metallized at 343 K for 2.0 h retained a low electrical resistance at 0.038 Ω after the high temperature incubation test at 414 K. The supercritical CO2 catalyzation was confirmed to be an effective method to metallize PET textile. [Display omitted] •Metallization of PET textile by supercritical CO2-assisted electroless plating.•Reliability was quantified by electrical resistance of the Ni-P/PET composite.•The composite retained a low electrical resistance after the adhesion test.•The resistance stayed at 0.038 Ω after incubation at 413 K for 1 h.