In this study, electroless Ni-plating on both the EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber and silicone rubber sheets for shielding electromagnetic interference of multi cable transit (MCT) systems was investigated. pH and temperature which have an effect on bath in electroless Ni-plating had set for processing parameters. The Ni-films obtained this study were analyzed by XRD, SEM, adhesion test and 4-point probe (sheet resistance) test.
The experimental results for the plating showed that there was no significant differences of the properties between the plated EPDM and silicone rubbers except the electric conductivity. It was shown that Ni-coatings having higher crystallinities were obtained on both the EPDM and silicone rubber sheets under pH 7 and 8 at 60~70℃. The Ni-plated rubber sheets prepared at pH 7 at 70℃ had an enhanced adhesion and optimum surface mophologies having a small number of cracks and pit/pinholes. But the sheets showed the slightly different electric conductivity results. For the Ni-plated silicone rubber, the highest electric conductivity value was achieved under pH 5, 70℃, while, for the EPDM rubber, the highest electric conductivity value was obtained under pH 7, 70℃. The highest electromagnetic interference shielding was achieved for the Ni-plated rubber sheets prepared at pH 7 at 70℃ in both cases EPDM and silicone rubbers.