Composite Electroplating of Cu-SiO_2 Nano Particles on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Resin

Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite was copper plated with sulfuric acid based solution in SiO2 nanoparticles present,and the effects of nano SiO2 content in the electrolyte on the copper coatings were investigated. It is found that crystalline grain of coatings is markedly refined by nano SiO2 of optimal proportion in the acidic sulfate copper plating bath.It is also shown that the ceramic particles cause an increase in hardness and a decrease in electrical conductivity of the coatings,which depend on the amount of co-deposited SiO2.