Connecting Polymers and Metals by Cold Gas Spray

Cold gas spray capability of producing Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) coating on metal substrates and pure metal coatings on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been established by Impact-innovations GmbH. For the first time, thick cold-sprayed PEEK coatings are produced on steel and aluminium substrates with a deposition efficiency > 80%. On the other hand, electrically conductive pure Cu and Ag coatings are produced on the CFRP substrates without using a bonding layer between the coating and the substrates. These coatings demonstrate very dense and good adhesion quality with ease to machine. Current coating development demonstrates the feasibility to establish a connection between polymers and metals.