Sustainable Production Process for High-Quality Gold-Plated Wires for Antennae

Important results from the project

The main goal of the project was a development of the first ever reel-to-reel, environmentally friendly and dry coating process adaptable for specific ultra-thin wire geometry, based on the physical vapor deposition (PVD) and an ion beam implantation (IBI) treatment or a combination of both. Specific goals: To improve the quality of coatings, replace the electrolytical solution with a lower environmental impact and to validate the combination of both processes at laboratory scale were reached.

Expected long term effects

New coating process: Increases the quality of the adhesion of gold coating onto metallic substrate without Ni underlayer, can avoid usage of hazardous cyanide and lower environmental impact, use less gold which makes the product cost efficient. The new manufacturing process has the potential to promote disruptive change within the market for ultra-thin wires, extend application area and strengthen the position of LUMA as technological leader in the respective fields.

Approach and implementation

Manufacturing of pre-plated and final Au plated Mo&W wires/flat samples (FS). Development of rotating electrode for plating of FS. Development of semi-quantitative adhesion metrology test. Characterization/defect map, analysis of samples by SEM&LOM observation, EDS and 3D surface roughness. Optimization of the process parameters and metrologies. Outside corrosion test and furnace porosity test. Development of a lab scale plating equipment for wires. Research reviews, administration & reporting.