Nano-SiC effect on wood electroless Ni–P composite coatings

Abstract

In this research, Ni–P/nano-SiC composite coatings were prepared on wood surface by simple electroless plating approach. The flatness, porosity, and crystallinity of Ni–P/nano-SiC composite coatings were investigated. The flatness and porosity of the composite coatings enhanced with the increase in nano-SiC content of the coatings, and the composite coatings were obtained within the range of 0.5–1.5 g (1.8 g/L) nano-SiC in the solution bath. The full width at half maximum values of Ni X-ray diffraction peaks in the composite coatings broadened and strengthened with the increment of nano-SiC content in the coatings, which triggered preferred growth direction of diffraction peaks. The composite structure was characterized with scanning electron microscopy images. The uniformity of particles in the composite coatings could be improved obviously with the increase in the nano-SiC content of the coatings because an amorphous phase of SiC hindered the movement of dislocations and declined the size of Ni–P crystallite. Besides, the flatness, porosity, and crystallinity of composite coatings depended on the P content in the composite coatings. P content can be decreased by increasing SiC content of plating solutions. The flatness, porosity, crystallinity, and wear resistance of composite coatings exhibited excellent properties as the content of nano-SiC in the composite coatings reached 1.0 g (1.8 g/L).