Effect of ultrasonic vibration on activation-electroless nickel plating on Nylon 12 powders

In this work, the electroless nickel plating on Nylon 12 (PA12) powders was developed. The effect of ultrasonic vibration on activation-electroless plating on PA12 powders were investigated systematically using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results showed amine groups attached on the surface of KH550-modified PA12 powders. The surface structure of modified powders could adsorb the tin and palladium ions, which used as catalyst for the Ni plating. Ultrasonic vibration-assisted activating would facilitate the adsorption of Pd atoms on the surface of PA12 powders, however, hinder nickel atoms plated on the PA12 surface. When the PA12 powders were plated with and without ultrasonic vibration, the palladium content of activated powders were 0.15 and 0.04%, the nickel content of plated powders were 4 and 10%, amorphous shells and nickel particles plated on the surface of PA12 powders, respectively.