Identifying adhesion characteristics of metal-polymer interfaces: Recent advances in the case of electroplated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Applying thin metallic coating layers on the surface of polymeric parts or structures (metallization) that is generally performed via electroplating process aims to improve both mechanical integrity and design aesthetics. The mechanical integrity of the electroplated polymeric parts, which is greatly controlled by the strong interfacial adhesion between metal and polymer, can be measured using standardized tests, such as tape test and peel test, among others. However, various factors pertaining to the electroplating and the nature of these standardized tests affect our interpretation on the identified metal–polymer adhesion. In this paper, we reviewed the recent advances in the effective electroplating process as well as the identification of metal–polymer adhesion using tape test and peel test in terms of the identified metrics, data interpretation, and limitations by utilizing electroplated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (copper–ABS) as a case study. Recommended practices to properly use these tests for the evaluation of metal–polymer adhesion are also given. This review is expected to guide engineers and scientists to better assess the effective electroplating formulation in achieving superior metal–polymer adhesion.