Electroless Cu/Ni Plating on Graphite Flake and the Effects to the Properties of Graphite Flake/Si/Al Hybrid Composites

摘要

Proper process and parameter were investigated to coat Cu or Ni on graphite flake (G(f)) by electroless plating. Microstructural characterization indicated that the Cu/Ni was coated on the G(f) uniformly and comprehensively. Then aluminum matrix composites reinforced with Si and graphite were fabricated by a unique vacuum gas pressure infiltration. The thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites, both with and without Cu or Ni coating layers on the graphite surface, have been studied. The obtained results indicated that the mechanical property of the Cu or Ni coated G(f)/Si/Al composites dramatically increased, as compared with the non-coated G(f)/Si/Al composite. In the meantime, Cu or Ni coated G(f) proved to have better wettability and interfacial bonding with the aluminum matrix, which were expected to be a highly sustainable and dispersible reinforcement for metal matrix composites.