Electroless Plating Process Optimization for Successful Copper Coatings Deposition on Surgical Tools

I. Kwiecien; A. Misztela; A. Bigos; M. Janusz-Skuza; M. Szczerba; M. Bugajska; A. Wierzbicka-Miernik; M. Dyner; D. Veselinov; H. Skulev; J. Wojewoda-Budka

doi:10.24425/amm.2025.154495

Authors

I. Kwiecien Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7998-9143
A. Misztela CHIRMED – Manufacture of Surgical and Medical Instruments, Mstowska 8a, 42-240 Rudniki, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4706-5982
A. Bigos Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4197-7611
M. Janusz-Skuza Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5434-6571
M. Szczerba Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5435-6788
M. Bugajska Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8133-404X
A. Wierzbicka-Miernik Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3343-2374
M. Dyner CHIRMED – Manufacture of Surgical and Medical Instruments, Mstowska 8a, 42-240 Rudniki, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9943-6335
D. Veselinov Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro- and Aerodynamics Centre “Acad. A. Balevski”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7582-4766
H. Skulev Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro- and Aerodynamics Centre “Acad. A. Balevski”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6696-7546
J. Wojewoda-Budka Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 25 W. Reymonta Str., 30-059 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6952-3270

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/amm.2025.154495

Abstract

Copper coatings are valued for their protective, decorative, and antibacterial properties, driving their market growth. Traditional electroless copper baths use cupric sulphate (CuSO4) and carcinogenic formaldehyde (HCOOH), which harms the environment and humans. This study proposes sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO4·H2O) as an eco-friendly reducer for nickel-substrate copper deposition. Three plating process variables were optimized for successful copper plating: sodium hypophosphite concentration (0.55 M-0.75 M), bath pH (9.5-12.5) and temperature (65-90°C). Next, the deposited coatings underwent the microstructural and chemical analyses using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry followed by roughness determination by atomic force microscopy. Based on them, the optimum conditions for effective electroless copper plating were identified, ensuring an environmentally safer alternative for classic formaldehyde-based electroless baths.

Electroless Plating Process Optimization for Successful Copper Coatings Deposition on Surgical Tools

Authors

DOI:

Abstract

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

Make a submission

Information

Indexing and Metrics

Electroless Plating Process Optimization for Successful Copper Coatings Deposition on Surgical Tools

Authors

DOI:

Abstract

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

Make a submission

Information

Indexing and Metrics

policy Privacy Policy