Iodine-aided palladium-free catalyzation process for durable electroless nickel plating on Kevlar® fiber

We report here a highly durable electroless nickel plating on Kevlar fiber through iodine-aided palladium-free catalyzation process. Kevlar was first treated with an iodine–potassium iodide aqueous solution to impart iodide component into the near fiber surface. The doped iodine was converted to silver iodide particles by treatment with silver nitrate aqueous solution, and subsequently silver iodide was reduced to silver metal particles. After electroless plating, a smooth nickel layer was evenly deposited on the fiber surface, which was resistant against sonication, tape peel-off, and alkaline corrosion tests. The silver particles formed on and near the fiber surface act as an anchor for the plated layer as well as a catalyst for electroless plating. Further investigation revealed that the use of an anionic surfactant during the catalyzation process enhanced the adhesive force of the plated layer with fiber surface. The plated fibers possessed high tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and ferromagnetic properties.

► A palladium-free iodine pretreatment process for metallization of aramid fiber. ► Iodine pretreatment effectively catalyzes aramid surface with Ag catalyst. ► Formed Ag particle serves as catalyst and anchor for plating process. ► Plated layer is durable against ultrasonic exposure, tape peel-off and corrosion. ► Plated fiber shows conductivity and magnetic characteristics.