Abstract
In many industries, polymers are in great demand due to their low weight and good mechanical properties. However, films and coatings are sometimes applied to improve polymer surface properties. This work presents a study on the metallisation of polycarbonates using a low pressure cold spray (LPCS) method. Two types of commercial powders were selected for the deposition of coatings: (i) tin and (ii) aluminium. The coatings were applied (i) on an unmodified substrate and (ii) on a substrate with an interlayer, which enabled the formation of good adherent aluminium coatings. A light and scanning microscopy was used to analyse the microstructure of coatings. Electrical conductivity was determined using the four-probe method and is discussed in relation to the oxygen content. Moreover, bond strength and microhardness were investigated.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
