Adhesivity of electroless Ni-P layer on austenitic stainless steel

Abstract

Purpose: Optimization of testing of adhesivity of electroless deposited nickel-phosphorous coatings on austenitic stainless steel substrate. Design/methodology/approach: The main study has been focused on comparison of testing methods of adhesivity of electroless nickel- phosphorous coatings and analyses of influence of heat treatment on adhesivity of electroless nickel- phosphorous. Findings: It was found out that adhesivity of electroless nickel- phosphorous coatings can be successfully characterized by Vickers hardness tester. Research limitations/implications: The study was not extended to other types of deposited layers in order to be able to bring a general decision about applicability of this method in the testing of adhesivity of deposited layers. Practical implications: Based on experimental results it was found out that heat treated nickel-phosphorous coating have higher microhardness than non-heat treated electroless nickel-phosphorous coatings. High microhardness of heat treated nickel-phosphorous coating is connected with formation of Ni3P phase. Moreover, better adhesivity can be achieved by application of proper activation process before electroless coating. Originality/value: Standard Vickers hardness method was successfully applied in testing of adhesivity of electroless nickel- phosphorous coatings on austenitic stainless steel substrate.