The effect of thermal treatments on the mechanical and electrical properties of nickel-coated carbon fibre composites

Nickel-coated carbon fibre (NiCCF) composites may find technological applications within many industrial sectors, including: laptop computers, automotive and military industries. Typically, these applications require that NiCCF be subjected to extensive material processing; thus, optimization of mechanical (and electrical) properties for this material at the stage of its production is of significant importance. The present paper reports the application of specific, high-temperature heat treatments to laboratory-produced 12K50 NiCCF material, carried-out in order to improve the ductility and interfacial adhesion of electrodeposited Ni coating to the surface of carbon fibre substrate.