Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting polyimide composites were surface self-metallized by alkali modification/ion exchange method, and silver-coated conductive polyimide composites were prepared. The degree of ring-cleavage reaction of imide five-membered rings on the surface of polyimide composites was characterized as a function of alkali modification conditions. The effects of alkali modification, acid washing, ion source and ion exchange time on the surface conductivity and mechanical properties of polyimide composites were investigated. When modify in alkali solution for 5 h and ion exchange for 9 h, the surface resistance of thermosetting polyimide composites can reach 0.26 Ω·sq⁻¹, and the basic mechanical properties are maintained.