Examination of the metallization behaviour of an ABS surface

Abstract

The main scope of this work is the metallization of high density Acryonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) surfaces for aerospace applications. Originality and main focused area of the study is to grasp the mechanism of physical properties of the surface and the effect of wet chemical processes on the surface of the ABS substrate. After surface sensitization and metallization with nano-sized ions, the polyurethane surface is metallized and nickel (Ni) coated with electroless and elecrolytic Ni plating processes. The ultimate goal of these advances is the production of composite lay-up tools for the production of primary and secondary composite aircraft parts from nanoscale to macro level. Composite lay-up tool requirements of the aerospace industry include a minimum thickness of 5 mm, acceptability of airtightness testing and reduced surface roughness. Results show that increasing current density adversely affects the surface morphology and metallization processes enhance the surface conductivity of the foam.