1 Metallization of synthetic fibres by nickel P. Westbroek * , G. Priniotakis, Y. Chronis, D. Tseles Technical Education Institute of Pireaus (TEIPIR), P. Ralli & Thivon 250, Egaleo Athens, Greece Abstract The paper describes the modification of PAN fibres with metallic nickel in order to give the fibre electroconductive properties. This is done using consecutively executed methods. The first method is chemical metallization, which includes the immersion of the PAN fibres in a bath containing 0.5 mol L -1 NiCl 2 and 1.5 mol L -1 Rongalite at pH = 5.5 and T = 288-293 K. Ni(II) is absorbed in the structure of the fibre and adsorbed at the surface through a complex formation with the cyanide and carboxylic acid groups present in the PAN chemical structure. With Rongalite the ab- and adsorbed Ni(II) is reduced to metallic Ni. The second process is galvanisation of the Ni-containing PAN surface (the Ni particles present at the surface form a “seed” layer) in a galvanisation bath using an electrolyte with 150 g L -1 of NiSO 4 at pH 5-6 and room temperature. The resulting fibre showed a specific electrical resistance of the order of 10 -6 m, which is a promising result. 1. Introduction The synthesis [2,20], characterization [4,5,13] and applications [4,5,13,19] of conductive polymers and fibres are an attractive and extensive field of research [19]. Electroconductive fibres can be obtained through different methods, such as: synthesis of a conductive fibre similar to synthesis of conductive polymers. blending common non-conductive fibres with electroconductive fibres, such as stainless steel or carbon fibres. synthesis of polymers that have a carbon or metal inclusion [16].