Can Acid Dissolve Metals for Conductive Coating?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using acid to dissolve metals such as copper, aluminum, or nickel to create a conductive coating on a rough plastic surface. Participants explore various methods for achieving conductivity, including the use of conductive pastes and epoxies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests dissolving metals in acid and applying the solution to the plastic surface to achieve a metal coating.
  • Another participant mentions that there are auto body products, such as conductive pastes, that could be used instead of dissolving metals.
  • A participant raises the concern about the cost of silver epoxy as a conductive solution.
  • One participant asserts that dissolving metals in acid would not yield a metal coating, as it would result in dry salts instead, and emphasizes the need for a reducing agent for metal deposition.
  • Surface preparation is highlighted as a critical factor in the process of achieving conductivity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of using acid to dissolve metals for coating purposes. While some suggest alternative methods, others challenge the initial proposal, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of any proposed method may depend on specific conditions, such as surface preparation and the choice of materials used.

refind
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I have a rough plastic surface that I need to make very conductive. I was thinking of coating it with metal but I do not know how. Would it be possible to dissolve some copper/aluminum/nickel (or others) in acid and then pour the acid on the surface and let it dry? Would that give me a metal coating?

The plastic is very resistant to acids.
 
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refind said:
I have a rough plastic surface that I need to make very conductive. I was thinking of coating it with metal but I do not know how. Would it be possible to dissolve some copper/aluminum/nickel (or others) in acid and then pour the acid on the surface and let it dry? Would that give me a metal coating?

The plastic is very resistant to acids.

I'll defer to others on your question.

However, There are auto body products...metal pastes, etc. I don't know where you are from but 'Big Boy Filler' is conductive.

Anyways, walk around the the auto body section of car parts store. Or, if you drop by any auto body shop they might take two seconds and do it for free (if you are a student).
 
Some kind of conductive epoxy could work, thanks for the pointer. The silver epoxy is ridiculous expensive, $43 for 16mL on Amazon :/
 
refind said:
Some kind of conductive epoxy could work, thanks for the pointer. The silver epoxy is ridiculous expensive, $43 for 16mL on Amazon :/

Are you in the USA.? Google 'All Metal'.
Again, used as body filler. Aluminum based and advertised as good conductor. I'm guessing $10.
 
refind said:
Would it be possible to dissolve some copper/aluminum/nickel (or others) in acid and then pour the acid on the surface and let it dry? Would that give me a metal coating?

No. You will be left with dry salt, not metal. To get metal you need a reducing agent. However what you are trying to do is not trivial, a lot depends on the surface preparation. Compare https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollens'_reagent
 

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