Electroless Coating on Non-Conductive Materials

Abstract

This chapter attempts to make a review of electroless metal deposition over various non-conducting substrates like for its application in the field of medical research, electrical and electronics units, household aesthetics, automobile and textile industries. Electroless coating of metals over conducting substrates have been developed, critically reviewed, and proven its worth by showing excellent desired properties over the years. This review aims to discuss the techniques that have been applied by the researchers to overcome the difficulties of coating on these materials, their influence in their physical and mechanical properties, and their prospects of use in the industries. With the discussion of the underlying coating fundamentals and its historical backgrounds, the emphasis was put into the coating deposition with sensitizations and activations of various substrates, electroless baths, and the characteristically changed properties of the materials observed in the analysis.