Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus-Polymer Composite Coatings

Abstract

This study examines the use of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (nitrogen containing compound) (PVP) coating on electroless Ni-P deposit on low steel. Three different average molecular weights of PVP were used, molecular weight 10.000 (PVP-10), molecular weight of, 24.500 (PVP-24.5) and molecular weight 40.000 (PVP-40). Coatings were characterized using X- ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the surface morphology. The microhardness and corrosion resistance of the composite were studied. It was found that i- the micro hardness decreases in presence of the polymer PVP, ii- the corrosion resistance greatly increases in the presence of PVP and iii- the adhesion of the coatings with the substrate increase in the presence of polymer.