Chemical Metallization and Morphology of the Surface of a Copper-Plated Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Fiber

Abstract

The possibility of chemical metallization of the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (lavsan) fibers in solutions using hydrazine sulfate as a reducing agent is shown. As a result, a conductive material is obtained. The surface of lavsan fibers is activated by treating the fibers in caustic ammonia with ultrasound treatment and processed in alkaline solutions. The elemental composition and surface morphology of the metalized fibers are characterized using X-ray diffraction, microprobe analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The surfaces of metallized fibers treated with various copper-plating solutions are shown to be coated by copper layers of 4 μm thickness, having good adhesion. The coating is uniform and defect-free over the entire length of the fibers. The fiber electrical resistivity is 0.4–0.9 Ω/cm.