The effect of attached fragments on dense layer of electroless Ni/P deposition on the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of carbon fibre/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene composites

The high-coating-thickness electroless nickel carbon fibre (HENCF) with the designed structure which is composed of attached fragments on a dense layer has been fabricated. Owing to the lubricating behaviour resulting from the attached fragments, HENCF can absorb most of the mechanical energy to avoid the fibre been broken off when they are compounded with plastics. The average aspect ratio of the HENCF, therefore, increases significantly. Meanwhile, nickel/phosphorous (Ni/P) particles or flakes detached from the attached fragments of electroless nickel-coated carbon fibres (ENCF) are distributed uniformly in the zone between fibres and polymers; hence, a compact conductive network in the composite matrix is formed. Consequently, the mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) are greatly improved. In addition, if the fibres are immersed into a dilute polymer solution immediately after the electroless plating processes, the mechanical properties and EMI SE of those conductive composites will be enhanced. The EMI SE of the composites can be over 50 dBm.