Adhesive Strength Between Metal Sheet Plated Using Micro Particles and ABS Resin

To improve the adhesive strength between metal and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, a metal surface was embossed with an irregular shape, and then we studied the bonding between different materials by insert molding. The irregular embossing of the metal surface was completed by nickel plating using micro particles of artificial diamond and aluminum oxide. Particles of various sizes were used, and the plating height was set at 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 of the particle size. When the embossed surface was implemented on the metal surface through the particles, an undercut area was formed on the metal surface. During insert molding, the resin solidified in the undercut area, which increased the adhesive force. As the undercut size was different depending on the plating height and particle size, the adhesive strength varied, and as the particle size increased, the adhesive strength increased. The adhesion strength was higher in the plated specimens using aluminum oxide particles than those with artificial diamond particles. Moreover, the adhesive strength was better with ABS resin containing glass fiber than with pure ABS resin. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]