Large scale metal coating of continuous ceramic fibers

摘要

The present invention provides a method for application of metal coatings, specifically copper and silver, to continuous ceramic fibers, by electroless deposition. The method comprises the steps of: winding the uncoated ceramic fibers over a frame so that the fibers are coiled adjacent to each other; introducing the wound ceramic fibers into a solution of metal with which the fibers are to be coated; circulating the solution through said fibers; and contacting and causing the metal to be deposited on the wound fibers. Coated continuous ceramic fibers produced by the method of the present invention are also included within the scope of this invention.