Electrochemical Deposition of Copper on Polymer Fibers

In this study, we report the fabrication of functional complex fibers, which have been studied widely globally for numerous applications. Here, we fabricated conductive complex fibers with antibacterial properties by coating metal ions on the surface of plastic (polypropylene) fibers using the electroless and electrochemical deposition. First, we polished the polypropylene melt-blown fiber surface and obtained an absorbing Pd seed layer on its surface. Subsequently, we substituted the Pd with Cu. Bis-3-sulfopropyl-disulfide disodium salt (SPS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and ethylene thiourea (ETU) were used as the brightener, carrier, and leveler, respectively for the electroplating. We focused on most achieving the stable plating condition to remove dendrites, which are normally during electroplating metals so that smooth layer is formed on the fiber surface. The higher the amount of SPS, the higher was the extent of irregular plate-like growth. Many irregularities in the form of round spheres were observed with increase in the amount of PEG and ETU. Hence, when the additives were used separately, a uniform coating could not be obtained. A stable coating was obtained when the three additives were combined and a uniform 5-9 μm thick copper layer with a stable morphology could be obtained around the fiber. We believe that our results can be applied widely to obtain conductive fibers with antibacterial properties and are useful in aiding research on conductive lightweight composite fibers for application in information technology and robotics.