Studies on Ni-Mo-P Coatings by Electroless Deposition

Abstract

This paper describes the performance of Ni-P and Ni-Mo-P alloy coatings deposited by electroless plating on the aluminum alloy 5052 to evaluate the corrosion resistance, thermal stability and electro-conductivity of coating assemblies. Corrosion behaviors of the obtained deposits in a 0.5M H2SO4 environment were investigated. The crystalline state and morphologies of Ni-P and Ni- Mo-P alloys were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The experimental results indicate that the Ni-Mo-P coating operated at 70°C and pH 9.0 has a nanocrystalline structure and its corrosion resistance in a 0.5M H2SO4 environment can be enhanced by the co-deposition of Mo as compared to Ni-P films. It has also been found that the Ni-Mo-P ternary alloys reveal good thermal stability after annealing at 400°C. Based on the excellent performance of Ni-Mo-P ternary alloys, these alloys have a potential to be applied to precision mould, optical parts mould, and surface metallization of substrates.