Effect of low temperature plasma treatment on the electroless nickel plating of polyester fabric

The present study is performed with an objective to acquire a deeper understanding of the properties of nickel‐plated polyester fabric after conducing low temperature plasma (LTP) treatment. LTP treatment with oxygen and argon gases was employed to render a hydrophilic property of woven polyester fabrics and facilitate the absorption of a palladium catalyst to provide a catalytic surface for electroless nickel plating. The properties of LTP‐induced electroless nickel‐plated polyester fabrics were evaluated by various standard testing methods in terms of both physical and chemical performances. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007