Research on the Mechanism of Laser‐Induced Selective Metallization of Polycarbonate Composites Based on Carbon/Metal Dual Active Center Model

ABSTRACT Polycarbonate‐based laser‐induced selective metallization (LISM) composites doped with copper chromite (CuCr 2 O 4 ) were prepared and irradiated by laser with different power and hatch distances. The microstructural morphology, chemical compositions, and surface etching degree of LISM after laser activation were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet‐visible‐Infrared spectroscopy (UV‐vis‐IR), and X‐ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XFS). Surface morphologies of LISM in the process of electroless selective metallization were also evaluated. Under laser irradiation, copper chromite generated monovalent copper (Cu + ) that adhered to the carbonized layer in the substrate and acted as catalysts in electroless plating. Enhancing laser power and reducing hatch distances significantly elevated Cu + content, accelerated electroless plating speed, and ultimately improved plating layer structure. A conductive carbon/metal dual active center model was constructed. The metallization experiments showed that there existed a synergistic effect between conductive carbon and metal. This model also verified and interpreted the essence of laser‐induced selective metallization.