Effect of Bath Parameters on Electroless Ni-P and Zn-P Deposition on 1045 Steel Substrate

• Published in: International journal of electrochemical science 2014-11, Vol.9 (11), p.6074-6087
• Main Authors: Osifuye, C.O., Popoola, A.P.I., Loto, C.A., Oloruntoba, D.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AISI 1045 steel; bath parameters; Electroless; surface morphology
• ISSN: 1452-3981; 1452-3981
• DOI: 10.1016/S1452-3981(23)10871-6

This research investigated the effect of varying bath concentration, operating temperature and plating time on the electroless deposition of Ni-P and Zn-P on the class AISI 1045 carbon steel. 0.4 g/L to 0.7 g/L for Ni2+ and Zn2+ concentration was used as bath formulation while other components were kept constant. Operating temperature was varied from 70 °C- 100 °C and the plating time was between 15 minutes and 35 minutes., It was observed that a bath concentration of 0.50 g/L -0.60 g/L for Ni-P, deposition time of 25-35 minutes and 80 °C temperature gave brightness and uniform film deposition on the carbon steel. Bath instability was observed as the temperature of the bath increased beyond 80 °C. Increased concentration of the metal source showed a down effect on the plating process and plating time below 25 minutes gave a dull bright nickel deposit. Zn-P maintains continuous bright deposition from 0.55 g/L to 0.70 g/L Zinc Chloride salt as the temperature increases from 70 0C to 100 0C. Increasing the deposition time gave a positive effect on the bright deposit of Zn-P on the substrate. It was also observed that increasing time of plating served to increase amount of deposit per unit area. Both coatings have good wear resistance at the best plating parameter. Scanning Electron Microscope result revealed continuous film surface morphology. The plating parameters obtained could be applied on low carbon steel for decorative or improved wear resistance where the cost of other method of coating is high-priced.