Selective Metallization of Polymers: Surface Activation of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Assisted by Picosecond Laser Pulses

The selective metallization of nonconductive polymer materials has broad applications in the fields integrated circuit technology and metallized patterns. This work discusses a methodology to pattern metal tracks on polybutylene terephthalate substrates. process consists three steps: 1) surface patterning with picosecond laser pulses (1030 nm) air, 2) Pd seeding via treatment PdCl2 solution, 3) electroless copper deposition. Picosecond irradiation promotes not only roughening but also chemical modification enable as acquires ability reduce Pd(II)-chloride species metallic Pd. parameters, well concentration temperature, have an influence morphology, distribution Pd, layer properties. Homogeneous layers well-defined geometries, good coating-substrate adhesion, high electrical conductivity can be obtained. is ascribed synergistic effect activation roughness development (from 0.13 ?1.6 ?m). As are performed directly as-received substrate, this shows great potential for electronic devices 3D complex geometries.