Plating Process Research Articles

Obtaining Ni[sbnd]P electrocatalyst in minutes via electroless plating on carbon nanotubes decorated substrate for alkaline urea electrolysis

Urea electrolysis has received extensive attention recently, because it can cost-effectively produce ultrapure hydrogen by coupling with electro-oxidation of urea. Despite the myriad of reported materials, it is still challenging to obtain electrocatalysts in an efficient manner that can effectively integrate the electrocatalytically active species with the electrically conductive substrate. In responses to this issue, the present work reveals that amorphous NiP can be incorporated onto carbon nanotubes decorated Ni foam (CNTs/NF) substrate by a three-minute electroless plating process. The obtained NiP/CNTs/NF electrocatalyst is confirmed to undergo surface reconstruction in alkaline electrolyte forming hydrated Ni(OH)2 nanocrystals, exhibiting promising electrocatalytic performance with high achievable current responses (∼400 mA cm−2), low Tafel slope (21 mV dec–1), and large reaction rate constant (1.1 × 106 cm3 mol−1 s−1) for urea oxidation. Moreover, combining NiP/CNTs/NF and commercial Pt/C in a single device, the urea electrolyzer renders the current responses of 10, 50, and 100 mA cm−2 at the cell voltage of 1.42, 1.60, and 1.79 V, respectively, reflecting energy-saving hydrogen production and remediation of urea-containing wastewater concurrently. This work paves the way forward for obtaining highly efficient electrocatalyst via a simple and scalable approach.

Exhumation History of the Greater Khingan Mountains (NE China) Since the Late Mesozoic: Implications for the Tectonic Regime Change of Northeast Asia

Abstract The Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMs) are a prominent orogenic zone in Northeast Asia that offers significant insights into the evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the Pacific Ocean during the Phanerozoic. A comprehensive study integrating a low-temperature thermochronology analysis pertaining to the Greater Khingan area and its associated basins has been conducted. Apatite fission-track (AFT) tests conducted on detrital samples from the GKMs in Northeast China have yielded central ages ranging from 260 to 62 Ma. Two-dimensional thermal history inversion modeling and three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to investigate the GKMs' thermal history, revealing at least two distinct tectonic cooling and exhumation events: one occurring between 147 and 70 Ma and another around 35 Ma. The fission-track age groups of the GKMs, Hailar-Erlian Basin, and Mohe Basin bear some resemblance (>105 Ma), but the results from the Songliao Basin are unique. This implies that the Songliao Basin and the GKMs were likely under the influence of different tectonic domains during this period, while AFT age peaks between 105 and 45 Ma, indicating the basin-mountain systems were likely influenced by a unified Paleo-Pacific plate process, which prevailed from about 105 Ma. The 147–70 Ma cooling event can be attributed to the combined effects of the compression orogeny, resulting from the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean during the Early Cretaceous and the extension orogeny triggered by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean during the early Late Cretaceous. Since approximately 35 Ma, the increase in Pacific plate subduction speed may have established a post-arc extensional tectonic environment in the GKMs that has persisted until now.

Investigation on thread rolling processes of screws for intelligent thread rolling system

The traditional screw production equipment is very large, and many procedures need manual operation, which has a certain influence on the production of screws. In order to improvement the production efficiency, a new type of “Intelligent Thread Rolling System” is to be designed for the requirement. In this system, it is necessary to provide and transmit the relevant data for screw manufacturing, especially in the process of thread rolling. The thread plate design changes the traditional flat shape to become the curved shape. This paper has used the numerical model of the finite element method to calculate and simulate thread rolling process of thread plate of curved shape to understand the applicability. The results of relevant parameters on the thread rolling are obtained to compare with experimental data of Intelligent Thread Rolling System. Under certain test condition, the screw embryonal material can produce threads and cut off tails, but the created thread shape and depth are non-standard. The results are consistent with experimental data. The main reason is that the thread surface of thread plates of curved shape has not been redesigned. Due to the comparison and verification, the numerical parameters can be provided for the actual thread rolling operation of the ITRS. This is very helpful for the completion of the ITRS development.

Enhanced interfacial microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of CF/Al–Mg composites with optimal interconnected coating

In the present study, the Ni coatings on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) were purposely regulated to provide the enhanced interfacial microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of CF reinforced Al–Mg matrix (CF/Al–Mg) composites. With increasing the pH value and deposition time, the coating thickness increased with the formation of island-like agglomeration as the pH value was 4.5. Based on the stable electroless plating process, different thicknesses of interconnected coatings were applied in the CF/Al–Mg composites fabricated by a semi-solid rolling process in open space. With the optimal thickness of 2.15 μm, the relative density of the composites increased from 89.7 % to 98.1 %, compared with that of the composites with the thickness of 0.54 μm due to eliminated un-infiltration defects. Simultaneously, optimized fiber dispersion and interfacial behavior were obtained, leading to effective load transfer, more energy absorption and consequently significant enhanced mechanical properties. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the composites was 183 MPa with the largest improvement, which was 96.8 % higher than that of the matrix.

Performance of Selective Plated Copper Coatings on Stainless Steel 316L and Nickel Alloy Ni201: Microstructure, Microhardness, Wear Resistance, and Corrosion Resistance

This study investigates the properties and performance of selective plated copper coatings on stainless steel 316L and nickel alloy Ni201 substrates, using acidic and alkaline electrolyte solutions. The analysis encompasses surface microstructure, elemental distribution, microhardness, surface roughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coatings. The results demonstrate that the selective plated copper coatings exhibit a uniform and continuous deposition, free from visible irregularities or structural imperfections. Notably, the alkaline copper coatings exhibit significantly higher microhardness values compared to the acidic coatings, irrespective of the substrate materials. Surface roughness measurements reveal an increase in roughness after wear testing for all coatings, with the alkaline coatings showing lower initial roughness values and superior wear resistance compared to the acidic coatings. Concerning corrosion resistance, the alkaline copper coatings display a higher susceptibility to corrosion compared to the acidic coatings. Generally, the findings underscore the effectiveness of the selective plating process in producing high-quality, uniform, and defect-free copper coatings on stainless steel and nickel alloy substrates.

Effect of Current, Voltage, Temperature, and Time Variations on Thickness of Steel using Electroplating Process

The use of low carbon steel is categorized as one of the supporting materials in industrial and technological developments because it has high ductility and toughness. However, low carbon steel has limitations in terms of corrosion resistance. There are several ways to increase corrosion resistance in steel. One of them is by providing a layer of protection on the steel surface. The steel plating method used is the electrolysis method or electroplating method. This study aims to determine the influence of variations in current, voltage, temperature, and time on the thickness of the coating formed on steel. The steel plating process is carried out by electroplating process where the coating material or anode is Nickel (Ni) with dimensions (60 mm x 30 mm x 0,1 mm). In comparison, the coated object or cathode is SK5 steel with dimensions (50 mm x 20 mm x 0,3 mm). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Current, Voltage, Temperature, and Time Variations on the thickness of steel using electroplating processes. Moreover, all factors will be optimised to achieve the best thickness for steel. Consequently, the corrosion resistance of SK5 can be significantly improved by increasing its thickness. The current variations were used 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A; voltage variations were used 3V, 6V, 9V, and 12V; temperature variations were used 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C; and times variations were used 0 m, 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m. Based on the results of research that has been carried out on all samples, it is concluded that current, voltage, temperature and time affect the thickness of the sample in the electroplating process. The current, voltage, temperature and time values are linearly related to the thickness resulting from the electroplating process.

Optimizing Current Collector Interfaces for Efficient “Anode‐Free” Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractCurrent lithium (Li)‐metal anodes are not sustainable for the mass production of future energy storage devices because they are inherently unsafe, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly. The anode‐free concept, in which a current collector (CC) is directly used as the host to plate Li‐metal, by using only the Li content coming from the positive electrode, could unlock the development of highly energy‐dense and low‐cost rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately, dead Li‐metal forms during cycling, leading to a progressive and fast capacity loss. Therefore, the optimization of the CC/electrolyte interface and modifications of CC designs are key to producing highly efficient anode‐free batteries with liquid and solid‐state electrolytes. Lithiophilicity and electronic conductivity must be tuned to optimize the plating process of Li‐metal. This review summarizes the recent progress and key findings in the CC design (e.g. 3D structures) and its interaction with electrolytes.

Solid electrolyte cracking due to lithium filament growth and concept of mechanical reinforcement – An operando study

Lithium metal solid state batteries (LMSSB) attract great interest in academia and industry due to their projected high energy density and safety. However, hard short circuits due to the penetration of lithium filaments through the solid electrolyte impede their development for practical application. Here, multi-characterization methods ranging from operando and in situ scanning electron microscopy to ex situ focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy are employed for comprehensive understanding of the cell failure. The rapid failure is attributed to coupled crack propagation and subsequent lithium filament growth during the plating process which is demonstrated in a Li6PS5Cl (lithium argyrodite) based LMSSB. Cracking initiates at current constriction spots and voids, where inhomogeneous lithium plating/stripping causes high local stress fields that trigger continuous crack propagation. Lithium filament growth finally leads to a hard short circuit. Considering the low fracture toughness of ceramic electrolytes, strengthening with Al2O3 fibers is shown to be effective in significantly improving the critical current density and cycling stability. Our results clearly show that cracks can have a detrimental effect on LMSSB and we suggest focusing on strategies to improve the fracture toughness of thiophosphate electrolytes in order to suppress lithium filament growth.

The role of asymmetric metal flow on weld formation and solidification characteristics during pulsed laser butt welding with assembly tolerance

In comparison to other laser-assisted welding techniques, the pulsed laser welding process (PLBW) provides cost-effectiveness and ease of operation while effectively connecting butt-assembled thin plates with manufacturing tolerances (both air gap and edge misalignment). A combination of numerical simulations and experimental studies was conducted to analyze the forming mechanism and solidification behavior of the weld. In this paper, a transient three-dimensional heat-flow-metallurgical model has been established for a PLBW process of mild steel plates with a thickness of 1.8 mm. The predicted weld pool profiles were consistent with the experimental findings. The finding suggested the molten metal, driven by surface tension and recoil pressure, successively generated liquid bridges on the rear and front sides of the pool. The two sheets were joined as the molten metal gradually solidified. The energy absorptivity was highly correlated with the weld pool and keyhole dynamics, and the laser energy absorbed by the metal was mainly transferred in the form of thermal convection. The kinematic features of the melt were observed by the liquid phase mass transfer rate and surface fluctuations. According to the Fourier analysis results, the molten pool oscillated at the characteristic frequency of the laser pulse frequency. The spatial and temporal distributions of solidification parameters aided in analyzing the solidification features within the pool. The asymmetric flow had a greater influence on the temperature gradient. These findings addressed the roles of PLBW on fluid flow, heat behaviors, and solidification parameters of welds with assembly tolerances, as well as the reasons for improved weld formation.

Preparation, micro-structure and characterization of high strength and low profile lithium copper foil with SPS and HP additives

Copper foil is an important negative current collector material for lithium ion battery. Its mechanical properties and appropriate roughness have an important influence on the negative electrode and battery performance. Adding additives to the plating solution is an effective means to improve the performance of lithium copper foil. Here we prepared Cu-(SPS + HP) copper foil with a tensile strength of 570.57 MPa, elongation of 4.47%, and roughness of 0.812 μm. Moreover, the optical contact angle test shows that Cu-(SPS + HP) has the best surface wettability (the highest surface energy 50.62 mN/m). XRD and EBSD tests show that the fundamental reason for improving the mechanical properties of Cu-(SPS + HP) is the preferred orientation of the crystal plane (220) and the phenomenon of large grains including small grains. Besides, the electrochemical test of Cu-(SPS + HP) bath is conducted to determine the principle of additives in the plating process, cathodic reaction characteristics and electrocrystallization nucleation mechanism. Finally, we establish the electrodeposition model. The reaction behavior of SPS and HP in the plating process synergistically promoted the preparation of excellent performance lithium copper foil.

Revolutionizing law enforcement: The role of artificial intelligence in license plate recognition

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in artificial intelligence (AI) as applied to license plate recognition. With the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology, deep learning approaches have gained popularity in license plate recognition, as exemplified by the success of AlphaGo. The diversity of AI in license plate recognition is notable, with numerous studies proposing systems that have achieved high accuracy in segmentation and recognition. The process of reading license plates is complex and involves several stages, including image capture, pre-processing, license plate identification, character segmentation, and recognition. Law enforcement widely uses automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology for detecting and preventing criminal activities, tracking stolen vehicles, and identifying suspects. Additionally, ALPR technology can monitor travel time on significant roadways, which can provide the Department of Transportation with useful data for efficient traffic management. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of AI in license plate recognition and its potential to revolutionize the field.

Expression analysis of inflammatory factors in artificial quartz stone plate processing silicosis patients

Objective: To investigate the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in the plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of silicosis patients with artificial quartz stone plate processing. Methods: In January 2022, 10 patients with artificial quartz stone plate processing silicosis and 20 patients with common silicosis who were hospitalized and diagnosed in a hospital at Zhejiang Province from June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively selected as the research objects, and 30 healthy people were selected as the control group during the same period. Plasma of all subjects and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of all patients were collected. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were analyzed. Results: The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the plasma of patients with silicosis were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the plasma of silicosis patients with artificial quartz stone plate processing were higher than those of common silicosis patients (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in plasma of artificial quartz stone plate processing silicosis patients were higher than those of common silicosis patients at the same silicon stage (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of silicosis patients with artificial quartz stone plate processing was higher than that of patients with common silicosis (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in silicosis patients with artificial quartz stone plate processing are higher than those in patients with common silicosis, which may be related to dust components they are exposed to.

Exploring the Effect of Microstructure and Surface Recombination on Hydrogen Effusion in Zn–Ni‐Coated Martensitic Steels by Advanced Computational Modeling

Ultrahigh‐strength steel (UHSS) structures are plated with Zn–Ni coatings because of their excellent corrosion resistance properties, but the plating process is accompanied by the production of hydrogen. The presence of hydrogen in steel results in hydrogen embrittlement. Hence, during the production of UHSS parts, dedicated outgassing steps are employed to remove the diffusible hydrogen from the steel. In a production environment, the real effect of the outgassing process and the outgassing efficiency is unknown for parts coated with Zn–Ni. Hence, a finite element model is developed to capture the evolution of the hydrogen concentration profile in coated UHSS parts during outgassing to study the influence of coating morphology and microstructural features of steel. In order to develop the geometry of the model, scanning electron microscope images are analyzed to understand the microstructure and morphology of the coating. Numerical samples are generated by combining different coating morphologies with steel substrates of varying microstructural features to attain a series of samples with varying features. The results of the outgassing simulations clearly demonstrate the major role of the coating morphology on the hydrogen flux.

A multi-angular extrusion process for fine-grain magnesium alloy plate

The precise forming process with fine-grain strengthening method of magnesium alloy is a common technical problem that needs to be urgently addressed for lightweight application. In this paper, a multi-angular extrusion process integrating severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique and hot forming process was proposed to manufacture the fine-grain plate of AZ80 magnesium alloy. Shear deformation path was introduced via the variable section and secondary angle of mold cavity. The unified internal state variable (ISV) based finite element (FE) model was established to simulate the multi-angular extrusion process. The interaction of viscoplastic flow and microstructure evolution was embedded into the user defined subroutine of DEFORM-3D software. The inhomogeneous strain distribution and microstructure characteristics during the extrusion process were investigated. The improvement of fine-grain homogeneity via the two-pass angular shear deformation was revealed. A fine-grain magnesium alloy plate with good forming performance and average grain size of 9 μm was manufactured. The yield strength is increased to 259 MPa by 23.3 %, ultimate tensile strength is increased to 338 MPa by 27.5 %, and elongation is increased to 12.9 % by 122.4 %. The developed multi-angular extrusion process can be applied to the integrated manufacturing of shape and performance of fine-grain Mg components.

Electrical stimulation induces anti-tumor immunomodulation via a flexible microneedle-array-integrated interdigital electrode

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapy, using chemical or biological agents to reinvigorate the immune system. However, most of these agents have poor tumor penetration and inevitable side effects that complicate therapeutic outcomes. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a promising alternative therapy against cancers that does not involve chemical or biological agents but is limited in the fabrication and operation of complex micrometer-scale ES devices. Here, we present an optically microprinted flexible interdigital electrode with a gold-plated polymer microneedle array to generate alternating electric fields for cancer treatment. A flexible microneedle-array-integrated interdigital electrode (FMIE) was fabricated by combining optical 3D microprinting and electroless plating processes. FMIE-mediated ES of cancer cells induced necrotic cell death through mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This led to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns that activated the immune response and potentiated immunogenic cell death (ICD). FMIE-based ES has an excellent safety profile and systemic anti-tumor effects, inhibiting the growth of primary and distant tumors as well as melanoma lung metastasis. FMIE-based ES-driven cancer immunomodulation provides a new pathway for drug-free cancer therapy.

A Multiscale, Dynamic Elucidation of Li Solubility in the Alloy and Metallic Plating Process.

Li-containing alloys and metallic deposits offer substantial Li+ storage capacities as alternative anodes to commercial graphite. However, the thermodynamically in sequence, yet kinetically competitive mechanism between Li solubility in the solid solution and intermediate alloy-induced Li deposition remains debated, particularly across the multiple scales. The elucidation of the mechanism is rather challenging due to the dynamic alloy evolution upon the non-equilibrium, transient lithiation processes under coupled physical fields. Here, influential factors governing Li solubility in the Li-Zn alloy are comprehensively investigated as a demonstrative model, spanning from the bulk electrolyte solution to the ion diffusion within the electrode. Through real-time phase tracking and spatial distribution analysis of intermediate alloy/Li metallic species at varied temperatures, current densities and particle sizes, the driving force of Li solubility and metallic plating along the Li migration pathway are probed in-depth. This study investigates the correlation between kinetics (pronounced concentration polarization, miscibility gap in lattice grains) and rate-limiting interfacial charge transfer thermodynamics in dedicating the Li diffusion into the solid solution. Additionally, the lithiophilic alloy sites with the balanced diffusion barrier and Li adsorption energy are explored to favor the homogeneous metal plating, which provides new insights for the rational innovation of high-capacity alloy/metallic anodes.

Clinical anatomy of the spina musculi recti lateralis: A frequently overlooked variation of the greater wing of the sphenoid

BackgroundThe spina musculi recti lateralis (SMRL) is often visible along the lateral rim of the superior orbital fissure (SOF). Aim of this study is to characterize SMRL morphology and topography relative to known bony landmarks. MethodsOrbits from 291 adult dry skulls and from 60 CT scans were analyzed to measure the distance between the SMRL and the SOF or the inferior orbital fissures (IOF) as well as its height, width and orientation. Processes other than SMRLs were also recorded. Fetal skulls were observed for comparison with adult samples. ResultsForty-one per cent of orbits on dry skulls and 43.3% by CT showed an SMRL. Additional 32.9% of orbits on dry skulls had processes with a different shape. On average, SMRL were orientated almost along the transverse plane and showed implant bases as wide as 141.9° or as narrow as 36.8°. SMRLs were close to the infero-posterior angle of the orbital plate of the sphenoid, 1.21 ± 0.84 mm in front of the SOF, 5.8 ± 1.9 mm above the IOF and 12 ± 2.3 mm from the anterior end of the SOF. They were 1.58 ± 0.64 mm high and did not show any age or sex-related prevalence. By CT, the SMRL appeared as the insertion site for the lateral rectus, tendinous ring and, sometimes, inferior rectus. ConclusionsThe SMRL is a process of the sphenoidal orbital plate rather than of the SOF. It is also a reliable landmark for the insertion of the tendinous ring and lateral rectus. Orbital surgeons should be aware of this common variant of the orbital apex.

Reference Electrode Reveals Insights on Sodium Metal/Solid Electrolyte Interface Cycling and Voiding Behaviors at High Current Densities and Areal Capacities.

Plating and stripping processes at solid metal electrode/solid electrolyte interfaces are of great significance for high-energy, solid-state batteries. Here, we introduce a Na metal reference electrode to a symmetric Na metal/sodium β″ alumina/Na metal cell and study both cycling and unidirectional protocols with a focus on high current density and areal capacity. For example, in a current ramp test at 5 mAh cm-2 we find a shift from stable to unstable interfacial polarization during stripping at ≳3 mA cm-2, and at 7.5 mA cm-2 we measure 100s of mV of voltage magnitude rise at the stripping electrode and 10s of mV of voltage changes at the plating electrode. In unidirectional testing (i.e., passing current in a single direction until cell failure), at 1.2 mA cm-2 we find only ∼40% of the initial Na foil could be transferred through the solid electrolyte and again observe 100s of mV (and larger) voltage magnitude rise at the stripping electrode and 10s of mV of voltage change at the plating electrode. This test also shows that the 100s of mV of interfacial polarization can be sustained for hours (at 1.2 mA cm-2) to tens of hours (in a test at 0.3 mA cm-2). Hence, across several test protocols we find a Na metal reference electrode provides quantitative insights on electrochemical interfacial behavior that are not revealed in two-electrode testing. We also built a two-dimensional model of our three-electrode symmetric cell to quantify the link between the measured interfacial potentials in our testing and changes in electrochemically active interfacial contact and find that 100s of mV of interfacial potential rise indicates loss of electrochemically active contact area of >80%. Our work provides a promising approach to clarify the coupled interfacial electrochemical and contact mechanics processes at solid metal electrode/solid electrolyte interfaces.

Self-healing and robust polymer-based protective interlayer containing boronic esters for stabilizing lithium metal anode

Lithium (Li) metal batteries have attracted wide research interests due to the ultrahigh theoretical capacity of Li anode. However, lithium metal anodes suffer from the inhomogeneous Li deposition, resulting in capacity fade and unacceptable safety hazards. More importantly, the huge volume change of the mechanically fragile solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) further induces the dendrite growth during repeated Li plating. Therefore, it is critical to protect Li metal anodes and inhibit the growth of Li dendrites for stabilizing the Li plating process. Herein, we fabricated a novel polymer-based protective interlayer (LBP) with a stable cross-linked network containing abundant boron moieties via the thiol-ene click reaction. The polymer-based protective interlayer obtains self-healing properties through the boronic ester transesterification and enhances the safety of lithium batteries. Besides, the dense layer with a cross-linked network effectively retards the air corrosion when the Li metal was exposed to the air environment. Furthermore, the vacant p orbital in the boron atoms of boronic ester can trap anions of Li salt and regulate a homogeneous Li deposition, enhancing the interface stability of Li metal. Consequently, the Li|Li symmetric cell with LBP protective interlayer shows stable stripping/plating voltage over 3500 h at 1.0 mA cm−2. The LBP-Li|LFP cell maintains a high capacity of 142.2 mAh/g after 300 cycles, demonstrating the cell with LBP-Li exhibits excellent cycling stability. The design of this advanced protective interlayer with multiple capabilities is potential to shed a light for high-performance lithium metal batteries.

Enhanced electroless Ni-P plating quality on binderless tungsten carbide by atmospheric pressure plasma pretreatment

Precision glass molding (PGM) has been widely utilized in optical components production, during which binderless tungsten carbide (WC) is a popular mold material. Researchers have proposed the application of electroless nickel‑phosphorus (NiP) plating on WC molds, offering good surface finish, non-stick properties, and enhanced corrosion resistance, while typical NiP plating pretreatment is complex, time-consuming, carrying risks of surface damage and pollution. In this study, Atmospheric-pressure (AP) plasma surface processing has been proposed as an alternative pretreatment technique to enhance electroless NiP plating quality on binderless WC, contributing to the reduction of plating steps, time, smoothing of the plated NiP layer, and improvement in adhesion quality. The interaction mechanism between AP plasma and WC has been analyzed. The influence of AP plasma surface pretreatment on the surface quality of NiP plating has been investigated in detail. Surface characterization and adhesion test have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of AP plasma pretreatment method. Despite the fact the replication of substrate roughness exists in typical NiP plating process, the surface roughening and enhanced surface energy induced by AP plasma pretreatment can have a smoothing effect for the following electroless NiP plating process. The effectiveness of ICP AP plasma as an alternative pretreatment technique for high-quality electroless NiP plating on binderless WC has been validated.