a b s t r a c t
A novel Ag catalyzation process using swelling impregnation pretreatment method was developed for
electroless nickel (EN) deposition on Kevlar fiber. Firstly, the fiber was immersed into an aqueous
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution of silver nitrate to impart silver nitrate into the inner part of the
fiber near the surface. Subsequently silver nitrate was reduced to metal silver nanoparticles on the fiber
surface by treatment with aqueous solution of sodium borohydride. After electroless plating, a dense and
homogeneous nickel coating was obtained on the fiber surface. The silver nanoparticles formed at the
fiber surface functioned as a catalyst for electroless deposition as well as an anchor for the plated layer.
The study also revealed that the incorporation of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in electroless
nickel plating bath can enhance the adhesion strength of EN layer with the fiber surface and minimize the
surface roughness of the EN coating. The Ni plated Kevlar fiber possessed excellent corrosion resistance
and high tensile strength.