Abstract
To codeposit metal with particles that are hydrophobic, such as PTFE, a surfactant is required to disperse particles in the bath. Excess surfactant may, however, cause trouble during plating such as hindering metal electrodeposition or inhibiting particle codeposition. We studied the relationship between pretreatment of PTFE and the morphology of the deposit from a CuSO4 bath containing PTFE particles. We clarified that the codeposition process is improved by modifying the PTFE surface using the surfactant, then rinsing off excess surfactant. Combining nonionic and cationic surfactants yields a good morphology and appearance.
