Catalytic graphitization of electroless Ni-P coated PAN-based carbon fibers

Catalytic graphitization of electroless Ni-P coated PAN-based carbon fibers is reported. PAN-based carbon fibers with and without electroless Ni-P coatings were heat treated and the structural changes were followed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, both of which indicate that the graphitization of PAN-based carbon fibers was enhanced in the presence of the coating. The graphitization was shown to be better for electroless Ni-P coated PAN-based carbon fibers heat treated at 1400 degrees C than for uncoated fibers heat treated at 2400 degrees C. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.