The impact of surfactants on the properties of electroless Ni–P–SiC coatings.

What is it about?

The development and properties of electroless nickel silicon (Ni–P–SiC) coatings on steel substrates with different surfactants were investigated in this study. Different surfactant additives (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) were used to prevent the agglomeration of SiC nanoparticles in the coating bath. Their effect on the deposition rate, surface roughness, microhardness, and corrosion resistance of Ni–P–SiC coatings was investigated in this study. XRD, SEM, and EDS analysis was performed to observe the crystal structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the deposit. Potentiodynamic polarization tests, stylus surface measurement devices, and Vickers microhardness testers were used to explore the corrosion behavior, surface roughness, and microhardness of the coatings. The presence of the three surfactants at a 0.6 g/L concentration significantly influences the characteristics of the coatings. The maximum number of SiC nanoparticles was homogeneously distributed in the Ni alloy in the presence of a cationic surfactant. The coating developed from the cationic surfactant bath exhibited the highest microhardness, corrosion resistance, deposition rate, and smooth surface identified in the coating developed from the cationic surfactant bath.

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Why is it important?

Surface coating is an engineering process that partially or fully covers the surface of a material to enhance its mechanical, magnetic, and electrical properties. Various surface coating methods, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), thermal spraying, electroless and electroplating, have been utilized to enhance the surface properties. Particle dispersion and deposition rate in the Ni matrix are also influenced by the type of surfactant employed in the coating process. A wetting agent, such as a surfactant, improves the wettability and stability of the deposited particles.

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