Composition and process for conditioning the surface of polycarbonate resins prior to metal plating

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for specially conditioning and etching a polycarbonate resin prior to metal plating to enhance the coverage and adhesiveness of metal plating to the resin. The swellant composition comprises a compound represented by the general formula, R1 (OCn H2n)m O - R2 wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of aryl groups and alkyl groups of 1-4 carbon atoms, n is 2 to 4 and m is 1 to 5. The swelled resin is then etched using, preferably, a highly alkaline composition such as a solution containing greater than about 100 g/1 NaOH. Other etchants such as chromic acid may also be used. The resin is now ready for plating using conventional techniques.