Abstract
This research study investigated the process of photochemically depositing metal coatings on dielectric polypropylene and polyester samples, which are widely used in the oil and gas industry, to increase their electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. This research study investigated the process of photochemically depositing metal coatings on dielectric polypropylene and polyester samples, which are widely used in the oil and gas industry, to increase their electrical conductivity and anti-corrosion properties. This method is based on the preparation of the surface layer of the samples obtained as a dielectric material, their wetting and increasing the adhesion strength of the metal coating, forming a sorption layer in silver nitrate and ascorbic acid solutions, and further conducting a photochemical process. Ascorbic acid acts as an environmentally friendly, safe reducing agent, ensuring the transition of silver ions from solution to the metallic form. The formation of a metallized silver layer on the surface of polypropylene and polyester was carried out by a photochemical process. The silver-plated dielectric materials were then subjected to a nickel plating process in the next step. Silver ions on the dielectric surface act as a catalyst for nickel plating. Such a composite layer imparts electrical conductivity to the polymeric materials and increases their corrosion resistance. The peculiarity of this method is that it allows the formation of a metal coating on dielectric polymer materials without the use of expensive palladium compounds and using environmentally and economically friendly reagents. A polymer material with a metal layer deposited on its surface allows it to be used as a material for the manufacture of filter elements, chemically resistant pipes, tanks, and valves used in the oil and gas industry.