Preparation and research of electroless nickel on carbon fiber surfaces

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to introduce the process flow of electroless nickel (EN) plating on carbon fiber surfaces, the effect of former processing on the properties of coating and the dynamics of the process. Design/methodology/approach The coated fibers were mounted in cold-setting epoxy resin, and transverse cross-section of the coated fibers were examined under an optical microscope to ascertain the thickness, uniformity and continuity of the coating over the fiber surface. The coating morphology was studied by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This study also determined the activation energy and electrical properties of EN coated on carbon fibers. Findings Activation temperatures have a greater impact on the quality of EN. At a temperature of 80°C, the EN layer prepared was uniform and compact and fully coated the carbon fibers. The optimum components of the EN plating process is NiSO4: 28 g/L; NaH2PO2: 30 g/L; NaAc: 20 g/L; Na3C6H5O7:10 g/L; C4O6H2KNa: 2 g/L; (NH4)2SO4: 18 g/L; thiourea and lead acetate: trace; operating conditions: pH = 8.5, temperature: 70°C; time: 0.5 h). The activation energy of the EN plating on carbon fiber is 12 kJ/mol, and the electrical conductivity of nickel-plated carbon fiber in 80 mL of distilled water is 16.5 μs/cm. Originality/value This paper determined the optimum processing conditions and the activation energy of the EN plating on carbon fiber.