TG-FTIR coupled analysis to predetermine effective precursors for laser-activated and electroless metallized materials

摘要： Copper compounds can be used as additives to elaborate polymer materials, which after laser-induced ablation can be directly metallized on the irradiated surface area. In this work, three [Cu(l-tyr)2]n (l-tyr = l-tyrosine) (A), [Cu(bpy)3][CrO4]·7.5H2O (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) (B) and [Cu(bpy)2(O2SO2)]·CH3OH (C) copper(II) complexes were evaluated. The complexes were mixed at 20 mass% with polyurethane resin to form the coatings. The coatings were irradiated with ArF excimer laser and electroless metallized. It was found that only complex A was effective metallization precursors. Thermal properties of the copper(II) complexes were considered as crucial for defining effective precursors. TG-FTIR coupled analysis was applied to predetermine thermal properties of the compounds, which can be responsible for effective metallization. It was found that the main reason for unsuccessful metallization of the coatings containing complexes B or C was release of lattice H2O or CH3OH molecules in crystal structures, respectively, which affected ablation of the coatings. Appropriate model of laser ablation was also proposed.