High corrosion and wear resistant electroless Ni–P gradient coatings on aviation aluminum alloy parts

A Ni–P alloy gradient coating consisting of multiple electroless Ni–P layers with various phosphorus contents was prepared on the aviation aluminum alloy. Several characterization and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the different Ni–P coatings’ morphologies, phase structures, elemental compositions, and corrosion protection. The gradient coating showed good adhesion and high corrosion and wear resistance, enabling the application of aluminum alloy in harsh environments. The results showed that the double zinc immersion was vital in obtaining excellent adhesion (81.2 N). The optimal coating was not peeled and shredded even after bending tests with angles higher than 90°and was not corroded visually after 500 h of neutral salt spray test at 35℃. The high corrosion resistance was attributed to the misaligning of these micro defects in the three different nickel alloy layers and the amorphous structure of the high P content in the outer layer. These findings guide the exploration of functional gradient coatings that meet the high application requirement of aluminum alloy parts in complicated and harsh aviation environments.

Surface characteristics of electroless nickel plated electromagnetic shielding wood veneer

Wood is a kind of porous natural material with very poor electro-conductivity, and it has almost no function of electromagnetic shielding. The method of electroless nickel plating was used to produce wooden material with electrical and effective electromagnetic shielding properties. Ni-P alloy layer was obtained on wood surface. The surface feature of plated wood veneer was observed by SEM and the surface composition and microstructure of the layer under different conditions were investigated by EDS and XRD respectively. Meanwhile, the relevant surface resistivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness were measured. Correlations of the phosphorous content in the layer to the structure of Ni-P alloy, electro-conductivity and electromagnetic shielding of plated veneers were discussed. SEM photos showed that the surface of electroless nickel plated veneers were covered with Ni-P alloy layer entirely, which made wood veneers more like metal. At the same time, the results showed that with the decreasing of the phosphorous content in the layer, the microstructure of Ni-P alloy layer transformed to be microcrystalline and electro-conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness were improved. When the phosphorous content was less than 2.37wt pct in the layer, the microstructure of Ni-P alloy layer was microcrystalline structure and its sur- face resistivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness were nearly 0.5Ω/□ and 55-60dB respectively.

Effects of complexing agents on acidic electroless nickel deposition

Our previous study reported the influences of different complexing agents on electroless nickel （EN） by examining the properties of the deposits. In the present work, the effects of four common-used complexing agents on EN deposition rate and the stability of solution pH values were examined, either with an acetic pH buffer agent or absent of them. It is indicated that the pH buffeting effect of them is dominative when the EN solution is lack of the pH buffer. Under this situation, the EN deposition rate increases with the concentration of complexing agents increasing. The EN deposition rate decreases with fin＇ther adding the complexing agent when the solution already has enough pH buffer capability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy obtained during EN deposition illustrates that, in this case, the enhanced reaction resistance is the main reason for a lower deposition rate. However, the influence of polarization caused by mass transfer is not negligible at high complex ratio for sodium citrate and malic acid EN solutions.

Electroless Nickel Plating and Electroplating on FBG Temperature Sensor

Metal-coated fiber Bragg grating（FBG）temperature sensors were prepared via electroless nickel（EN）plating and tin electroplating methods on the surface of normal bare FBG.The surface morphologies of the metal-coated layers were observed under a metallographic microscope.The effects of pretreatment sequence,pH value of EN plating solution and current density of electroplating on the performance of the metal-coated layers were analyzed.Meanwhile, the Bragg wavelength shift induced by temperature was monitored by an optical spectrum analyzer.Sensitivity of the metal-coated FBG（MFBG）sensor was almost two times that of normal bare FBG sensor.The measuring temperature of the MFBG sensor could be up to 280℃,which was much better than that of conventional FBG sensor.

Electroless nickel fabrication on surface modified magnesium substrates

In recent years,magnesium(Mg)has evolved as a salient material,in affiliation with electroless nickel(Ni)coating,which have found applications in automobiles,aerospace and confederate fields attributing to its excellent inherent weight sensitive properties.However,being acknowledged for its remarkable auxiliary properties like flexible machining,appreciable weight sensitivity and ability to be patently diecast into mesh constructs,magnesium is prejudiced by aeronautical standards predominantly for its inferior corrosion resistance properties.In this sense,electroless nickel plating on magnesium and its alloys has been suggested to extricate it from corrosion problem and make it more competitive in industrial and defence applications.Autocatalytic fixation of metal ions onto respective substrates accrues and alters their mechanical,electrochemical and tribological properties,destitute of any electric current aid.This proficiently identified technique is prosecuted with the assistance of a series of sequenced operations involving a prior pretreatment,which corresponds to the chemical cleaning of the substrate surface;electroless coating;and a later activation process which is a mild etching of the electroless coated surface.The susceptibility of magnesium to this methodology has advanced and propagated its exercise and applicability in aircraft,satellites and allied aeronautical fields.Contemporarily,researchers have proposed various eco-friendly and modified duplex and composite coatings which have transmuted properties of these appendages by tailoring alloy compositions and reagents employed.This review article systematically colligates various considerations and evaluations on electroless nickel applications of magnesium and its alloys and explicates how it anchors its practice in the respective domains.Furthermore,a comprehensive analysis is devised based on the pre-existing treatment methods for accomplishing the same.

Characterization and Properties of Electroless Nickel Plated Poly (ethylene terephthalate) Nonwoven Fabric Enhanced by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Pretreatment

In order to develop a more economical pretreatment method for electroless nickel plating, a dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） plasma at atmospheric pressure was used to improve the hydrophilicity and adhesion of poly （ethylene terephthalate） （PET） nonwoven fabric. The properties of the PET nonwoven fabric including its liquid absorptive capacity （WA）, aging behavior, surface chemical composition, morphology of the surface, adhesion strength, surface electrical resistivity and electromagnetic interference （EMI）- shielding effectiveness （SE） were studied. The liquid absorptive capacity （WA） increased due to the incorporation of oxygen-containing and nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface of PET nonwoven fabric after DBD airplasma treatment. The surface morphology of the nonwoven fibers became rougher after plasma treatment. Therefore, the surface was more prone to absorb tin sensitizer and palladium catalyst to form an active layer for the deposition of electroless nickel. SEM and X-ray diffraction （XRD） measurements indicated that a uniform coating of nickel was formed on the PET nonwoven fabric. The average EMI-SE of Ni-plating of PET nonwoven fabric maintained a relatively stable value （38.2 dB to 37.3 dB） in a frequency range of 50 MHz to 1500 MHz. It is concluded that DBD is feasible for pretreatment of nonwoven fabric for electroless nickel plating to prepare functional material with good EMI-SE properties.

Removal of nickel from spent electroless nickel-plating bath with nickel foam cathode

The electrochemical method was used to remove nickel ion from spent electroless nickel plating bath (pH=5 3). An electrolytic cell was composed of a porous nickel foam cathode and an inert RuO 2/Ti anode. Nickel ions were reduced and deposited on the surface of the nickel foam cathode. The effect of current density (i), linear velocity of wastewater(v), gap between cathode and anode(d C/A) and reaction time(t) on nickel removal rate and current efficiency were studied. As reaction time prolonged, nickel removal rate increased while current efficiency decreased. And larger v and smaller d C/A can enhance nickel removal rate and increase current efficiency by promoting mass transfer and dropping concentration polarization. The effect of current density on nickel removal by electrochemistry was related to other parameters. After three hours’ electrolysis with i=1 0 A/dm2, v=18 5 cm/min and d C/A=0 5 cm, nickel removal rate and current efficiency reached 85 6% and 29 1%, respectively.

Research Progress in Solderable Black Pad of Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold

Electroless nickel/immersion gold (ENIG) technology is widely used as one of the surface final finish for electronics packaging substrate and printed circuit board (PCB), providing a protective, conductive and solderable surface. However, there is a solder joint interfacial brittle fracture (or solderability failure) of using the ENIG coating. The characteristics and the application of ENIG technology were narrated in this paper. The research progress on the solderability failure of ENIG was introduced. The mechanism of 'black pad' and the possible measure of eliminating or alleviating the 'black pad' were also introduced. The development direction and market prospects of ENIG were prospected.

THE STUDY OF ELECTROLESS NICKEL ACCELERATING AGENT

The effects of accelerating agent on the deposition speed of Electroless Nickel Plating, the stability of solution and the corrosion resistant of The EN coatings were studied. The influence of A1 content on EN activation energy, the rest potential and polarization cures are measured. The mechanism of the acceleration effect of A1 on the EN plating was proposed.

Dispersion of Micro Diamond Particles in Electroless Nickel Solution

The dispersion behavior of micro-diamond particles ranging from 0 to 0.5 micron was compared between in DI water and in electroless nickel solution. The effects of the concentration of electroless solution, temperature, ultrasonic treatment, stirring speed, and baffles on the size distribution of micro diamond particles in electroless nickel solution were studied. Results show that the dispersion of micro diamond particles in DI water is obviously superior to that in electroless nickel solution. Micro diamond particles agglomerate evidently when the concentration of electroless solution Velect：VDI in dispersion media exceeds 5%0. Diamond particles agglomerate more and more seriously with the increase of the ion concentration. Applying ultrasonic, increasing stirring speed and adding baffles are helpful to improving the dispersion of diamond particles in the electroless nickel solution and its uniform distribution in the Ni-P coating.

Properties of fluoride film and its effect on electroless nickel deposition on magnesium alloys

The physical characteristics and microstructure of the fluoride film formed during activation were investigated using SEM,XPS and SAM,and its stability in electroless nickel(EN) bath was analyzed.The effects of the fluoride film on EN deposition were studied additionally.The results show that the fluoride film on magnesium alloys is a kind of porous film composed of MgF2 with thickness of 1.6-3.2 μm.The composition of the activation bath and pretreatment of EN processing have influence on the composition of the fluoride film.The fluoride is stable and dissolves little in EN bath;as a result,the fluoride film can protect magnesium substrate from the corrosion of EN bath.The composition of fluoride determines the initial deposition of EN and part of the fluoride film finally exists as inclusion in EN coating.

Effect of electroless plating nickel treatment on electrode properties of Zr-based AB_2 type alloy

An electroless plating nickel treatment was processed to improve the active behaviors and discharge capacities of Zr based AB 2 alloys. The effects of the nickel coating on the surface appearance, the structure of the alloy powders and the electrode characteristics were investigated. It is found that the Ni rich layer formed through electroless plating nickel treatment plays an important role on the initial activation property and the discharge capacity of Zr based alloy. The optimal content of electroless plating nickel is about 15%, and the discharge capacity of the electrode can be increased to 400?mA·h·g -1 after 6 cycles. Although coated nickel is beneficial for quick activation and discharge capacity, excessive electroless plating nickel can result in a decreased discharge capacity.

Electroless nickel plating on the surface of carbon fibers

The electroless nickel plating on the surface of carbon fibers was prepared by pretreating the carbon fibers in order to increase their conductivity,and consequently enhance the EMI shielding effectiveness of the composites.The relationship between the performance of depositing coat and pH value,temperature,reaction time and the way of agitation was studied.Results show that the depositing quality is stable under pH between 4.5 and 5.0,temperature between 75 ℃ and 85 ℃,reaction time for 10 min and air agitation.The uniform and compact nickel layer deposited on carbon fibers was proved by XRD and SEM,and the electrical resistivity of carbon fibers with nickel coating was tested.Results indicate that the electrical resistivity of carbon fibers with electroless nickel plating is decreased by an order of magnitude compared with that of carbon fibers.It means that nickel coating can greatly improve the electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon fibers.

Purification and Regeneration of Spent Electroless NickelPlating Baths by Electrodialysis

A method using electrodialysis to seperate phosphite from spent electroless nickel (EN) plating solution was studied. The major working parameters for the electrodialyzer with our selected membranes such as voltage, current and the flow rate of spent EN bath and condensed solution were optimized. Under the optimum operating conditions, spent EN bath could be effectively purified. And then the purified solution was replenished and reused for EN plating. The life of the EN bath was prolonged for more than 17 metal turnovers (M.T.Os). It showed that the electrodialysis method was one of the most effective means for purification and regeneration of spent EN plating baths and for saving resources and reducing waste.

EFFECT OF ELECTROLESS PLATING COBALT UPON CHARACTERISTICS OF NICKEL HYDROXIDE ELECTRODEFORRECHARGEABLEALKALINEBATTERIES

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Development of Sb Microelectrode and In-situ pH Measurement of Electroless Nickel Reaction Interface

Sb microelectrodes were prepared by plating. The results of testing show that they have excellent stability, quick responding speed, high pH sensitivity (35～40 mV/pH) and long useful life in high temperature acidic electroless nickel (EN) bath. By using Sb microelectrode, the pH value in EN reaction interface was measured in situ . There exists the fluctuation of pH during EN plating, and the amplitude of fluctuation tends to decrease with plating time. The largest fluctuation amplitude can reach 1～2 pH value. The in situ pH measurement provides reliable experimental results for explaining the formation of layer structure of EN deposit.

STUDY ON THE REAR CAPACITY OF DEPOSITS USING ELECTROLESS NICKEL DEPOSITION AND ELECTROPLATE CHROMIUM

The comparison study of the relations between the hardness, wear capacity and heat treatment temperature of the electroless nickel deposition with the electroplating deposits of chromium were conducted .The results showed that the hardness and wear capacity of the electroplate technology were superior than that of electroless in general cases, but with the raising of the heat treatment temperature, the hardness and wear capacity of the samples treated by electroless deposition technology were superior obviously than that of electroplate.

Comparison Between Electrolysis and Reduction for Treatment of Spent Electroless Nickel Plating Bath

There are lots of residual nickel and organic compounds in the spent electroless nickel plating bath. It not only wastes resource but also causes environmental pollution if the wastewater is discharged without treatment. In this paper, electrolytic method and reduction method for treating spent electroless nickel plating bath were compared. The factors studied included reaction time, pH, temperature, effectiveness and cost. It was found that the recovery rate of nickel by reduction was 99.9% under the condition ofpH 6, 50℃ for 10 min. The purity of reclaimed nickel was 66.1%. This treatment needed about 16 g NaBH4 for a liter spent solution, which cost RMB 64 Yuan. For electrolysis method, with pH 7.6, 80℃, 0.45 A （current intensity） for 2 h, the recovery rate reached 97.3%. The purity was 88.5% for the reclaimed nickel. Moreover, it was found that through electrolysis, the value of TOC （Total Organic Carbon） decreased from 114 to 3.08 g·L^-1 with removal rate of 97.3%. The main cost of electrolysis came from electric energy. It cost about 0.09 kWh （less than RMB 0.1 Yuan） per liter wastewater. Compared with reduction, electrolysis had more advantages, so the priority of selection should be given to the electrolysis method for the treatment of spent electroless nickel plating bath.

Chromium Electroplating of Aluminium Alloys Using Electroless Nickel as Underlayer

The growing demand for chromium coated aluminium components especially for the automotive industry is due to their favourable physical properties (density, strength to weight ratio etc.). However, their frequent use under harsh environmental conditions renders them corrosion sensitive and consequently they need to be protected. An approach that has been applied in industry is to directly electroplate nickel onto aluminium substrate prior to a top metallic finish;however, in components with complex geometry, certain areas could become exposed to corrosion attack due to poor surface coverage during plating. In this study, a modified electroless nickel undercoat was applied to pre-treated aluminium alloys prior to duplex nickel and chromium plating with a view to enhance corrosion resistance, improve coating adherence and durability, and overall, to achieve substrate protection. Hexavalent and trivalent chromium were applied to pre-treated Al 1050 and Al 6061 following electroless nickel deposition, and plating performance was assessed by surface and corrosion techniques, while durability was measured by scratch, adhesion and hardness tests. Overall, while chromium plating with an electroless nickel undercoat did not improve corrosion resistance or hardness of the materials, it provided an additional protective layer for the substrate with a potential for longer term durability.

Enhancement of Corrosion Resistance of NiCrFeBSi Coatings Obtained by Flame Thermal Spray Process Adding an Electroless Nickel Coating Ni-P

Flame Thermal Spray (FTS) coatings frequently show some porosity and reduced adherence to substrate, which affect its properties, especially its corrosion resistance. In this work, the corrosion resistance of AISI 1018 carbon steel coated by different methods is compared: electroless nickel (EN) coating, NiCrFeBSi obtained by FTS, duplex coatings of an EN deposit on a layer of NiCrFeBSi obtained by FTS and a layer of NiCrFeBSi on an EN deposit. The coatings were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques, EDS microprobe microanalysis, roughness as well as electrochemical polarization tests to obtain the corrosion rate. The results show the enhancement in the corrosion resistance in saline medium of the duplex coatings, especially of the EN coating on FTS layer.