A high-adhesion plating process for ABS resin was studied using a low concentration of ozone instead of using harmful hexavalent chromium. ABS resin can be modified by ultrafine, ozone-containing bubbles dispersed in water (<2 ppm). A high adhesion strength of approximately 1 kN/m was obtained when treated for 30 min. In contrast to the conventional etching processes containing hexavalent chromium, it is not necessary to apply a problematical wastewater treatment.
Accordingly, this treatment could be used as a new sustainable technology in the near future.
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