Fabrication and characterization of copper/molybdenum coatings on carbon fibers by electrodeposition

The codeposition of a smooth and uniform coating of copper and molybdenum was successfully achieved on T-650 carbon fiber. The effect of various plating parameters on the electrodeposition of copper and molybdenum such as plating bath chemistry, current density, and pulse frequency were studied. By adjusting the aforementioned variables, qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted to evaluate the deposit smoothness, uniformity, and wetting characteristics. Qualitative analysis of the deposits were made using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Quantitative analysis of the deposit coating was conducted using inductively coupled plasma chemical analysis, dewetting tests, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and auger electron spectroscopy. Based on the results, a plating line was designed and constructed for the continuous deposition of copper and molybdenum onto carbon fiber tows.