Abstract
The structure and properties of electroless nickel coatings containing 11% phosphorus have been studied in the as plated condition for various deposition times and after heat treatment. In addition to a general covering, in the early stages of deposition nodules of nickel form associated with the lay of the polished substrate, and as the thickness of the coating increases so do the surface roughness and the uniformity of the coating thickness. Porosity is associated with the surfaces of the vestigial nickel nodules. Porosity measured using the ferricyanide test is observed to decrease monotonically with the as plated thickness, and is a maximum after heat treatment at 400°C. Large non-metallic inclusions do not affect the porosity or coating uniformity. Information on the microhardness, crystal structures, and microstructure of the coatings is also presented.
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