Abstract
Fabric surface properties can be altered by modifying the molecular structure using electroless plating. In this work, polyester fabric is treated through electroless nickel–phosphorous (Ni-P) plating as a metallising treatment process. The modifications of Ni-P plated polyester fabric are evaluated. The surface microstructure of nickel-plated polyester fibre is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the deposited Ni-P films are nanostructured with dense grains uniformly. The increases in weight and thickness of the nickel-plated polyester fabric are determined through direct measurements. Systematic investigations, including bending rigidity, tearing strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, air permeability, surface wettability and absorbency, conductivity and anti-static properties are conducted on untreated and metallised polyester fabrics. The water angle results reveal that the surface wetting properties change after the electroless Ni-P plating process. A thorough discussion and quantitative report are made on the specific performances of the Ni-P plated polyester fabric.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 52-60 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Research Journal of Textile and Apparel |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- Electroless plating
- Ni-P
- Polyester fabric
- Surface treatment
- Composite