Preparation and properties of composite electroless Ni-P-ZnO coatings

ABSTRACT

Electroless nickel–phosphorus (EN) coatings are extensively used in various industrial applications to improve the mechanical and physical properties such as hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance. Heat treatment process and the addition of nanosized metallic/ceramic particles further improve the properties of the coating. The aim of the current research is to study the influence of heat treatment temperature, the proportion of ZnO nanoparticles on microhardness, and corrosion behaviour of EN coatings. Different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles were added to electroless bath by using Ultrasonicator to develop composite coatings. The microhardness and corrosion resistance of the coatings were further analysed through the experiments. Characterisation of the deposited coatings is carried out by using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The combination of heat treatment temperature and concentration of ZnO particles in EN bath to achieve maximum microhardness and corrosion resistance is studied.

KEYWORDS:

• Electroless deposition
• Ni-P coating
• Ni-P-ZnO composite coating
• microhardness
• corrosion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vinod Babu Chintada

Mr. Vinod babu Chintada working as Assistant Professor in the department of mechanical engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam. He obtained B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) from JNTUK, Kakinada and ME (Machine Design) from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. His area of specialization includes surface coatings, composite materials. He is expertise in synthesis of nanomaterials.

Ramji Koona

Dr. Ramji Koona working as a Professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering (Autonomous), Andhra University. He obtained his B.E. (Mech.), M.E.(Machine Design) and M.Tech. (Nanotechnology) degrees from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India during 1991, 1993 and 2007 respectively. Obtained his Ph.D., programme from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (India). His areas of specialization include spatial mechanisms, Robotics, FEM, Tire Mechanics and Vehicle dynamics. Guided 82 M.E Theses and 30 Ph. D Dissertations related to Vehicle Dynamics and other fields and Published 237 papers and actively doing consultancy, research and project works. Organized 14 international and 53 national conferences, seminars etc. He delivered 162 guest lectures at different platforms and attended 68 short-term courses in National Level IITs and other institutions. He also participated in 162 Conferences, Symposiums and Workshops at National and International level and presented 123 papers in national, international journals, workshops, conferences and symposiums.