Electroless nickel plating is an auto-catalytic reaction used to deposit a coating of nickel on a substrate. Unlike electroplating, it is not necessary to pass an electric current through the solution to form a deposit. This plating technique is to prevent corrosion and wear. EN techniques can also be used to manufacture composite coatings by suspending powder in the bath.
Electroless nickel plating has several advantages versus electroplating. Free from flux-density and power supply issues, it provides an even deposit regardless of workpiece geometry, and with the proper pre-plate catalyst, can deposit on non-conductive surfaces.
Composite electroless nickels are defined as those that incorporate distinct particles into the deposit to impart a specific property. Figure 1 is a photomicrograph of a typical EN/Diamond composite coating that displays the incorporated
diamond particles. Figure 2 is a photomicrograph of an EN/PTFE deposit. As you can see, the functional particles are evenly and thoroughly distributed in the EN matrix, which is firmly bonded to the substrate. This unique combination of dis-
tribution and bond strength makes composite EN coatings extremely long lasting and durable compared with many other wear and lubrication alternatives.