Abstract
In this study, colored Ni/Cu2O bilayer films were electrochemically deposited on large area automobile plastic parts (7x13 cm) for decorative applications. Such coatings may become an alternative to ubiquitously used Cr coatings for plastics. Purple, dark cyan and gold colors with good homogeneity and high brightness could be produced by tuning the deposition time of the Cu2O layer. Coloration of the bilayer film can be ascribed to interference of light through the metal/dielectric layer, where the thickness of the dielectric layer controls the wavelength of the reflected light. Cu2O film has a compact structure and low roughness, which is essential to obtain uniform colors. Moreover, the Ni/Cu2O bilayer film passed the cross cut adhesion test performed according to ISO 2409 standard. This process is industrially viable and enables the large scale production of such decorative coatings.