Deposition of high wear resistance of Ni‐composite coatings

Abstract

Electrodeposited Ni‐P composite coatings incorporating a variety of inorganic particles were obtained from Watt’s nickel bath containing sodium hypophosphite. The mechanism of co‐deposition of various particles (SiC, Al2O3, quartz and sand) was studied in view of the electro‐kinetic charge characterizing the solid particles. Means to improve the mobility of the particles in the plating solution were investigated using sodium oleate as surface active agent. The purpose was to increase particle content in the coating to attain high hardness values. Special attention was given to the deposition process using SiC particles. The surface morphology, hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings were determined. Hardness values were maximized by simple heat treatment in air atmosphere which led to the precipitation of the hard Ni3P phase. Sound, coherent and high wear resistance coatings could be produced.