Electroless Cu/Ni Plating on Graphite Flake and the Effects to the Properties of Graphite Flake/Si/Al Hybrid Composites

Proper process and parameter were investigated to coat Cu or Ni on graphite flake (G_f) by electroless plating. Microstructural characterization indicated that the Cu/Ni was coated on the G_f uniformly and comprehensively. Then aluminum matrix composites reinforced with Si and graphite were fabricated by a unique vacuum gas pressure infiltration. The thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites, both with and without Cu or Ni coating layers on the graphite surface, have been studied. The obtained results indicated that the mechanical property of the Cu or Ni coated G_f/Si/Al composites dramatically increased, as compared with the non-coated G_f/Si/Al composite. In the meantime, Cu or Ni coated G_f proved to have better wettability and interfacial bonding with the aluminum matrix, which were expected to be a highly sustainable and dispersible reinforcement for metal matrix composites.