Application of Coupling Agent in the Chemical Plating Ni-Cu-P of PVC Plastic

The surface of PVC plastic was treated by coupling agent before chemical plating, in order to substitute chromic acid due to its toxicity to environment and human beings. Three kinds of coupling agents were chose, of which KH560 was proved to be effective for PVC surface. After treated by KH560, the PVC surface was plated with Ni-Cu-P in a typical chemical plating solution. XRD analysis showed that Ni-Cu-P coatings took an amorphous form, and SEM and EDS was employed to analyze its morphology and component. The adhesive force between the coatings and the substrate was estimated by scarification and flexing test, which showed it is feasible to replace traditional chromium treatment with the handling of coupling agent.