Domestic researchers have developed a surface treatment technology that can increase the hardness of silver plating layers and reduce friction without harmful substances such as cyanide. It is reported that this technology can be utilized to enhance the durability of components subject to frequent repetitive contact, such as electric vehicle connectors and electronic component contacts.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science announced on the 1st that it has developed a silver (Ag)-PTFE composite plating technology by precisely controlling the dispersion of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) nanoparticles.

It is characterized by achieving performance that increases the hardness of the plating layer and lowers the coefficient of friction while excluding cyanide, which was widely used in conventional silver plating processes.

The researchers explained that this technology is expected to contribute to reducing friction and wear and extending the lifespan of parts exposed to repetitive contact environments, such as electric vehicle connectors and electronic component contacts.

It is evaluated as a technology applicable to surface treatment processes for electrical and electronic components requiring high reliability, as it can reduce component surface damage and performance degradation.

The research was overseen by Senior Researcher Kim Se-il of the Energy and Environmental Materials Research Division.