Effect of pH on Electroless Ni-P Coating of Conductive and Nonconductive Materials

Abstract

Electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) coating of carbon steel as well as a polypropylene substrate was conducted using sodium  hypophosphite as a reducing agent in alkaline media. The influence of pH on coating appearances and the properties of the coatings for both steel and the polypropylene substrate were studied. A nickel-phosphorus coating of good appearance was obtained in the pH range between 5.5 and 12.5 on the carbon steel substrate and between 8.5 and 12 on the polypropylene substrate. The percentage of Ni content in the coating increased with increasing pH of the bath solution. A smooth, uniform microstructure was found in the coating deposited in relatively lower pH solutions compared to higher pH baths. The microhardness of the Ni-P coating decreased with an increasing percentage Ni content in the deposit.