Metallization of a Polymer Using Cold Spray: Application to Aluminum Coating of Polyamide 66

Abstract

Abstract Numerous automotive and aircraft/aerospace applications involve metallic coating of organic matrix composite materials, e.g. for aesthetic, electric, or engineering functions. In the thermal spray process family, cold spray is very attractive for the achievement of metallization of low-temperature resistant materials such as organic composites, due to its “cold” characteristic. However, despite the current (and justified) craze for cold spray, little is still known about the potential of this process for this type of application. The work demonstrated the feasibility of cold spray for satisfactory metallization of PA66-matrix composites with Al. This paves the way for using cold spray as an advantageous substitute process for the industrial protection of polymer-based composites.