The effect of plasma treatment process on the electrical conductivity and coating fastness of silver nanoparticles functionalized aramid fiber paper

Abstract

Abstract In this study, electrically conductive meta‐aramid fiber paper (MAFP) was prepared by combining low‐temperature plasma treatment and electroless plating. The influence of various plasma treatment parameters including nozzle speed, plasma cycle time and nozzle height on the electrical conductivity, washing fastness and bending fastness of silver‐coated MAFP was investigated. The results show that low‐temperature plasma treatment etched the surface of meta‐aramid fiber and increased the oxygen content on the MAFP surface. The optimal plasma treatment condition is: nozzle speed of 1 m/min, plasma cycle time of 80%, and nozzle height of 4–5 cm. The electrical resistance of the silver‐plated MAFP pre‐treated under this condition reached as low as 0.15 Ω/sq. In addition, the silver‐plated MAFP maintained high electrical conductivity (sheet resistance below 0.5 Ω/sq) after five washing cycles and 1000 bending cycles.

Keywords

• electrical conductivity
• electroless plating
• low‐temperature plasma treatment
• meta‐aramid fiber paper