Activation of non-metallic substrates for metal deposition using organic solutions

Non-metallic substrates, such as plastics or oxides, need to be activated before electroless metal deposition. In this paper, a novel process of using metal Pd and Pd–Cu ion loaded organic solutions for surface activation of non-metallic substrates is described. The organic media used are strong polarizing and low ionic conducting solutions of the type commonly used in the solvent extraction industry. Different types of non-metallic substrates, including polyester, alumina and carbon nanotubes, have been evaluated, and it was shown that a uniform and complete Cu coating can be electrolessly deposited after activation in metal ion loaded organic solutions. ► Metal irons were loaded into organic solutions by extraction. ► The loaded organic solutions were made into activation solutions with additives. ► Non-metallic substrates were activated by the organic solutions. ► Subsequent electroless deposition proved the surface activation by organic solutions.