Room temperature electroless Ni-coating on boron particles: Physicochemical and oxidation-resistance properties

Abstract

Ni nanoparticles were coated on irregularly shaped micron sized boron particles by facile electroless Ni-deposition method. Four kinds of Ni-coated boron particles were prepared using four different simple paths during the electroless deposition process: no rinsing and no drying (Path A), only drying (Path B), both rinsing and drying (Path C), and only rinsing (Path D). Surface morphology confirmed the Ni-nanoparticles coating on the surface of boron particles. The size of the Ni nanoparticles varied between 10 and 120nm with respect to the chosen paths used for preparation. The Ni nanoparticle's size was also studied using TEM and found to be consistent with the surface morphology results. XRD measurement of the Ni-coated boron particles showed the formation of crystalline Ni nanoparticles. EDAX and XPS results showed the presence of the primary B and Ni elements in the obtained samples. Thermogravimetric analysis conducted in air atmosphere found the boron particles had enhanced oxidation resistance after the coating of Ni nanoparticles. The Ni-coated boron particles showed a shift in exothermic peak to a lower temperature and higher heat evolution than the pure boron, recommending the use of Ni-coated boron particles in solid fuel in missile/rocket engines, and high temperature applications.