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Preparation and characterization of electroless nickel-coated cellulose fibres

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Abstract

The aim of this project was to fabricate electroless nickel-coated cellulose fibres. Ultimately, these nickel-coated cellulose fibres will be used to develop a cost-effective polymer composite for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications. An attempt has been made to impart electrical conductivity onto cellulose fibres via an electroless nickel plating process. The aim was to achieve a homogeneous, continuous layer of Ni on the cellulose fibres, and the plating conditions were optimized to achieve this. The relationship between the coating morphology and the performance of the coated fibre was also of interest. Testing was carried out using cellulose filter paper and then loose cellulose fibres. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of nickel-coated filter paper showed that nickel particles are bonded to the cellulose fibres. The coating appeared more compacted and continuous as plating time increased, corresponding to lower surface resistivity. This observation suggested a correlation between morphology and electrical conductivity of the coating. For nickel-coated cellulose fibres, after optimization of plating conditions, a uniform deposition of nickel particles around the cellulose surfaces was confirmed by SEM images. EDS and XRD results confirmed similar coating could be produced on filter paper and cellulose fibres. SEM images of cross-sectioned nickel-coated cellulose fibres illustrated nickel particles had penetrated into the inner walls of the cellulose fibres. This impregnation of the fibres should act to increase the bonding between nickel coating and cellulose fibres. These nickel-impregnated cellulose fibres could now be incorporated into a polymer matrix to create an electrically conducting composite with the right processing parameters.

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Acknowledgments

The author, Pongphat Sittisart, would like to acknowledge the financial support from Materials Accelerator—contract UOAX0819 as well as the advice received from John Kennedy (GNS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    P. Sittisart, M. M. Hyland & M. A. Hodgson

  2. Materials Accelerator, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    C. Nguyen

  3. Scion, Rotorua, New Zealand

    A. Fernyhough

Authors
  1. P. Sittisart
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  2. M. M. Hyland
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  3. M. A. Hodgson
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  4. C. Nguyen
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  5. A. Fernyhough
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Correspondence to P. Sittisart.

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Sittisart, P., Hyland, M.M., Hodgson, M.A. et al. Preparation and characterization of electroless nickel-coated cellulose fibres. Wood Sci Technol 48, 841–853 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-014-0643-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-014-0643-2

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