Research on hydrogen distribution of electroless nickel plating on aluminum-based silicon carbide composites

Abstract Aluminum-based silicon carbide composite materials have the characteristics of high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and good dimensional stability. Therefore, the composites are widely used in space microwave component shell products. In order to meet the functional requirements of conductivity, welding, and heat dissipation when applied to antenna microwave components, aluminum-based silicon carbide composite materials need to be chemically plated with nickel, which introduces hydrogen, thus requiring research on hydrogen release and control. Here, SEM, XRD, and other methods are used to characterize the microstructure of aluminum-based silicon carbide substrate and nickel plating layer. There are certain pore structures in both the substrate and plating layer, providing a place for hydrogen storage. The experimental method of hydrogen microprinting has been used to characterize the distribution of hydrogen. The results showed that the hydrogen distribution pattern in aluminum-based silicon carbide nickel plating is as follows: after nickel plating on aluminum-based silicon carbide, hydrogen is distributed in the nickel plating layer and the shallow substrate under the coating; with the extension of time, hydrogen spontaneously diffuses to the deep substrate; hydrogen is mainly distributed in the Al matrix and less on SiC particles.