Studies on the influence of surface pre-treatments on electroless copper coating of boron carbide particles

► Uniformity of electroless copper coating on boron carbide is affected by surface contaminants. ► Ultrasonic surface cleaning and heating reduced the free surface carbon to some extent. ► The acidic and alkali treatment improved the uniformity of copper coating. ► Alkali treatment provides better coating by easily removing many of the surface contaminants. ► Coating morphology is dependent on the pH of bath and surface treatment.