Researchers
Dr Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim
Coswald Stephen Sipaut
Mohamed Izat Ezwan
The superior properties of coated metal on substrate materials with the excellent characteristics of wear resistance, surface finishing and uniform coating thickness render the electroless plating technique a wide application window such as in aerospace, automotives, electronics, computers, machinery, oil and gas production and valve industries. It is an autocatalytic process in which ionic state metal is reduced chemically without the influence of electricity. However, this technique is limited by the indispensible reliance on platable grade substrates.
Here, we present an elegant innovative solution to the above limitation by surface modification that compatibilised adhesiveness between the metal and the implatable substrate surfaces. This innovation offers versatility and is applicable on virtually all types of materials regardless of it nature or origin such as semi-metals like silicon, silicates, glasses, ceramics as well as non-metals like plastics, woods and shells. In our work the list seems non-enhaustive.
The innovation benefits the manufacturing industries by further enhance the utilization of cheaper substitute, as their basic raw materials with the anticipated end effect and the coated metals are easily recyclable. Manufacturing examples are artificual jewelries, household utensils and furnishings, automotives and Printed circuit Boards (PCB). In the latter case, our innovation provides solution to a cost effective and tecnologically in-line manufacturing.
Dr Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim
School of Chemical Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Penang
