Abstract

To verify the relationship between the properties of composite coatings prepared on steel and the SiC content of electroless Ni-P-SiC
composite coatings. Systematic experiments have been conducted to study the possibility of incorporating solid SiC particles in Ni-P
matrix. Kinetics of Ni-P plating reveal that the rate of deposition was found to increase linearly with time. The reduction process of nickel
ions by hypophosphite was completely hindered at pH < 2and the minimum temperature at which the bath can be practically operated was
about 65 ˚C. The mode of deposition of Ni-P film has been explored in the light of deposition condition. XRD analysis of the as- plated and
heat – treated samples revealed the existence of crystalline Ni3P phases for the heat – treated alloy. Finally a component electroless Ni-PSiC composite plating process producing a high wear resistance of the coating.

Key words: Ni-P plating solution; SiC particles; composite coatings; steel; heat treatment