Research on Copper Electrodeposition Process on Carbon Fiber Fabric

The copper metallization process on the surface of carbon fiber fabric was studied. The samples were pretreated first by multi-step processes, including degreasing, cleaning, sensitization and activation. Prior to copper electrodeposition, electroless copper deposition using formaldehyde as reducing agent and silver nitrate as activatior on carbon fiber fabric was carried out for 60 min. The effects of different copper electrodeposition current and different electroplating time on carbon fiber fabric were investigated. Surface morphologies and electrical conductivity of copper-coated carbon fiber fabric were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a resistivity tester respectively. The results showed that with the increment of copper electrodeposition current and the extension of the electroplating time, a continuous and uniform copper deposit with good coverage could be obtained on carbon fiber fabric.