The paper discusses a possibility of metallization of polymers using low pressure cold spray (Dymet 413). The bonding mechanism of the coating is discussed as well as the influence of the number of spraying passes on coating microstructure. Two commercial powder were used (i) tin; and (ii) aluminum to obtain coatings on PA6 polymer substrate. The substrate topography was modified with sandblasting. The adhesion strength, residual stresses, electrical resistivity, and microstructure were determined and characterized. Finally the comparison with other metallization methods was made and the application of cold spray for producing local conductive paths was assessed.

The paper analyzes different working gases and their mixtures for possible application in cold gas spraying (CGS). The gases considered include Ar, CO 2 , and steam, alone and in combination. Typical pressures and temperatures were used, along with CFD simulation software, to calculate gas velocity profiles along the axis of a convergent-divergent nozzle. The profiles are compared with that of nitrogen, the standard gas for cold spray, flowing under the same conditions. Velocity and temperature profiles were also calculated for copper particles in the various gas flows as well as nitrogen. Differences in temperature and velocity are explained based on sonic velocities, viscosities, and thermal conductivities of the respective gases.