Process and properties of electroless nickel plating on the surface of piezoelectric composite

Nickel films were deposited on the piezoelectric composites by the electroless Ni plating. The optimal process and formula conditions of pretreatment process, activation process and the electroless plating solution were obtained in combination with the orthogonal test and the practical production as follows, 350 g/L of mass concentration, 25 ℃ of roughening temperature, 25 min of roughening time; 0.4 g/L of PdCl₂, 30 ℃ of activation temperature, 5 min of activation time; 38~43 ℃ of plating temperature, 8~10 min of plating time and pH value of 8.5~9.5. The deposit’s micro-morphology and compositions of piezoelectric composites were analyzed and compared by using SEM, EDS and XRD analysis. The results show that the deposit of the optimal conditions has well uniformity, and with good adhesion and corrosion resistance.