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Method for electroplating elastomer-modified polyphthalamide articles

  • US 5,962,073 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1997
  • Issued: 10/05/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A process for metal plating an article of an elastomeric material dispersed in a polyphthalamide (PPA) matrix, said process comprising the steps of:

  • etching a surface of said article with an etching solution comprising trivalent chromium ions, hexavalent chromium ions and sulfuric acid, said trivalent chromium ions being present in said etching solution in an amount of about 6.5 to about 7.5 ounces per gallon of said etching solution, said etching solution being at a temperature of approximately 140°

    F. to 165°

    F. (about 60°

    C. to about 75°

    C.) and contacting said surface for a duration sufficient to etch said PPA matrix and said elastomeric material whereby micropores are produced in said surface;

    rinsing said surface with a rinse solution maintained at a temperature below about 100°

    F.;

    neutralizing said surface to remove remnant chromium from said etching step;

    catalyzing said surface with a noble metal salt solution;

    treating said surface with a sulfate-free accelerant solution; and

    thenelectrolessly depositing a metal layer on said surface.

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