Selective Metallization of Polyether Ether Ketone Based on UV Laser-Induced Wettability Regulation for 3D Electronics

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a promising material in the fields of embodied intelligence, medical implants, and electronic components due to its exceptional stability and high specific strength. Applications such as sensors and antennas based on PEEK require surface conductive patterns to integrate mechanical and electrical functionalities. However, the chemical inertness of PEEK presents a challenge for selective metallization in surface conductive applications. In this study, we have proposed a UV nanosecond laser-induced wettability regulation method as a premetallization treatment, enabling a wide-range wettability transition on PEEK surfaces (Contact Angle: 3°–151°). By selective modification of the surface wettability, designed circuit patterns were fabricated via electroless plating and ultrasonic cleaning. The deposited Cu layer exhibits a micropillar array structure, significantly enhancing the contact area with the substrate. As a result, the adhesive strength reached the highest 5B level, and the pattern resolution reached 60 μm. The proposed selective metallization technique utilizing laser-induced wettability regulation is adaptable to both injection-molded and 3D-printed PEEK, providing a cost-effective and high-precision solution for the fabrication of accurate surface circuits on undoped polymers. This method holds significant potential for extensive applications in 3D electronics and customized medical implants.