Preparation of highly reflective and conductive metallized polyimide films through surface modification: processing, morphology and properties

Silvered polyimide films have been prepared by potassium hydroxide hydroxylation of polyimide film surfaces and incorporation of silver ions through subsequent ion exchange. Thermal curing not only recycloimidized the poly(amic acid) into polyimide, but also reduced silver ions into silver atoms and near-atomic silver clusters, which diffused and aggregated to give reflective and conductive surfaces without need of the addition of reducing agents. Films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and tapping mode atomic force microscopy. The thickness of the silvered layers and the reflectivity and conductivity of the silvered films can be controlled. By this method, the double-sided silvered polyimide films with excellent reflective (reflectivity > 97%) and conductive surfaces (surface resistivity = 0.02 Ω cm−2) could be easily fabricated. Their essential mechanical properties could be maintained, and the silver–polymer adhesion was outstanding.