Electroless nickel plating on the surface of carbon fibers

The electroless nickel plating on the surface of carbon fibers was prepared by pretreating the carbon fibers in order to increase their conductivity, and consequently enhance the EMI shielding effectiveness of the composites. The relationship between the performance of depositing coat and pH value, temperature, reaction time and the way of agitation was studied. Results show that the depositing quality is stable under pH between 4.5 and 5.0, temperature between 75°C and 85°C, reaction time for 10 min and air agitation. The uniform and compact nickel layer deposited on carbon fibers was proved by XRD and SEM, and the electrical resistivity of carbon fibers with nickel coating was tested. Results indicate that the electrical resistivity of carbon fibers with electroless nickel plating is decreased by an order of magnitude compared with that of carbon fibers. It means that nickel coating can greatly improve the electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon fibers.