首页|Sustainable direct metallization of 3D-printed metal-infused polymer parts:a novel green approach to direct copper electroless plating
Sustainable direct metallization of 3D-printed metal-infused polymer parts:a novel green approach to direct copper electroless plating
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Metallization,which is coating metals on the surface of objects,has opened up new possibilities for light-weight structures while integrating polymer and metal fea-tures.Electroless plating is a potential method for metalizing plastic 3D-printed parts;however,conventional approaches rely on pre-surface activation and catalyzation with expen-sive metal catalysts and hazardous acids.To address these issues,the current study represents a novel eco-friendly and low-cost approach for direct metallization of non-conduc-tive 3D-printed parts,without using hazardous,toxic,and expensive conventional pre-treatments.Using the developed methodology,we electrolessly copper plated polymer-copper infused 3D-printed part as well as plastic components for the first time,directly.We initiated and implemented the idea of exposing the copper particles embedded in the polymer to the surface of copper-polymer parts by applying a sustain-able mechanical or chemical method to make the surface conductive and ready for direct plating.A formaldehyde-free(green)electroless copper solution was developed in-house in addition to skipping conventional etching pre-treatment using harmful chemicals,making this a real step forward in the sustainable metallization of 3D-printed parts.In this study,the mechanical properties of copper-polylactic acid(PLA)3D-printed parts revealed a 65％reduction in tensile strength and 63％increase in tensile modulus,compared to virgin PLA.Furthermore,the morphological charac-terization of the copper coated 3D-printed parts showed a homogeneous copper coating on the surface after direct electroless plating,with a plating rate of 7.5 pm/h.Allowing complex and functional devices printed in this manner to be quickly metalized without modification using toxic and costly solutions is a significant advancement in lowering the cost and manufacturing complexity of 3D-printed parts,increasing efficiencies,and lowering weight,and thus is a game changer in the technology's adoption.
Material extrusionAdditive manufacturing(AM)Copper-polymer filamentsElectroless platingSustainabilityMetallization
Eco-friendly Center of Circular Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,Ontario Tech University,Oshawa,Ontario L1G 0C5,Canada
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