Electrochemical thin film coating: environmentally friendly etching alternatives for abs

• Main Author: Chin, Rigel Ben Cher
• Other Authors: Hirotaka Sato
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Chemistry; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Engineering; Electroless plating; ABS etching; Chromium free; Environmentally friendly ABS etching
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177738
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research investigates the potential application of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as an alternative etching solvent and swelling agent for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrates in the electroless nickel plating (ENP) process. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative solvents for etching and conditioning the ABS surface to promote hydrophilicity for an optimal ENP. ENP process is carried out on the substrate sample. The results are analysed based on the plating thickness and area plated by doing a voltmeter test and tape testing. Examining the quality of plating and amount of nickel deposited on the surface of the sample while tape testing assess the adherence strength of the nickel plating on the surface of the sample.