Research on Surface Metallization of Carbon Fiber Based on Electroless Plating

In this paper, the method of electroless nickel-plating on Carbon fiber surface is introduced, and surface metallization of carbon fiber is researched. The study includes pretreatments before plating, design of the plating solution composition, microscopic analysis of coating materials, and bonding strength testing between the coating and the substrate. The study show that pretreatments on carbon fiber surface have an important impact on metallization. In pretreatments; coarsening treatment changes the surface state of carbon fiber, increases surface area; while dispersing eliminates the reunion phenomenon of the fiber. Plating solution composition is the key factor of nickel-plating on carbon fiber surface, the best components of solution are 30g/L nickel sulfate, 20g/L lactic acid, 30g/L sodium hypophosphite. The surface metallization of carbon fiber is realized by chemical nickel plating, and the coating combined well with fiber, uniformity, complete and bright. The coating gained in the experiment is Ni-P amorphous alloy.