Samples: (light microscopic and SEM pictures)
Chemical copperplating of graphite
graphite powder is coated with a thin copper layer (up to 0,5 µm)
Coppered particles of spherical graphite, M = 200 x (light microscopy)
Coppered particles of graphite, cross-section polish, M = 1000 x (SEM-picture)
Detail with magnification of 5000x (SEM)
Coppered particles of natural graphite
Detail: Cross-section polish
Silvered Cu-powder
Normally the copper particles oxidize in air. The surface will then show a thin patina that influences the electrical behavior: the electroconductivity decreases. The solution: a thin electroless coating of silver will stop further oxidation and enhance the conductivity.
Silvered dendritic copper powder particles M=1800x
Silverered water atomizied copper powder oarticles M=245x
Detail: silvered Cu-particle M=1800x
Silvered fiber glass
Normally, these fibers are typical insulators. The electronics industry however needs inexpensive fibers that are conductive. The solution: the electroless coating of the fibers with a thin coating of silver.
Fiber glass at low magnification, M=245x
Some single silvered fibers (the arrow shows a non-silvered fiber), M=1950x
