A novel Ag catalyzation process using swelling impregnation method for electroless Ni deposition on Kevlar® fiber

• Published in: Applied surface science 2015-12, Vol.359, p.280-287
• Main Authors: Pang, Hongwei, Bai, Ruicheng, Shao, Qinsi, Gao, Yufang, Li, Aijun, Tang, Zhiyong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electroless plating; Kevlar; Silver catalysts; Surfactant; Swelling impregnation
• ISSN: 0169-4332
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.10.100

Schematic diagram illustration of electroless nickel plating process on Kevlar fiber. •Swelling pretreatment successfully catalyzed Ni deposition on Kevlar surface.•Ag particles formed on fiber surface act as catalysts for electroless plating.•Using surfactant during plating enhances the adhesion and smoothness of Ni layer.•Plated fiber possesses excellent corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. A novel Ag catalyzation process using swelling impregnation pretreatment method was developed for electroless nickel (EN) deposition on Kevlar fiber. Firstly, the fiber was immersed into an aqueous dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution of silver nitrate to impart silver nitrate into the inner part of the fiber near the surface. Subsequently silver nitrate was reduced to metal silver nanoparticles on the fiber surface by treatment with aqueous solution of sodium borohydride. After electroless plating, a dense and homogeneous nickel coating was obtained on the fiber surface. The silver nanoparticles formed at the fiber surface functioned as a catalyst for electroless deposition as well as an anchor for the plated layer. The study also revealed that the incorporation of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in electroless nickel plating bath can enhance the adhesion strength of EN layer with the fiber surface and minimize the surface roughness of the EN coating. The Ni plated Kevlar fiber possessed excellent corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.