P. Papavasilopoulou, A. Zoikis – Karathanasis, E.A. Pavlatou, N. Spyrellis
Proceedings of the 7th International Conference “THE Coatings” (2008), October 1-3 2008, Kallithea Chalkidiki, Greece Ziti Editions (Eds. K.D. Bouzakis, Fr.W. Bach, B. Denkena, M. Geiger), p. 417-425 (oral)
NiP-SiC composite coatings were produced under both direct and pulse current conditions from an additive-free modified Watts type bath. The influence of current parameters and hydrodynamic conditions of plating bath in the structure, morphology and mechanical properties of the composite coatings were examined. Additionally, micro-structural and hardness modifications induced by specific heat treatment of the coatings were investigated. Structural analysis revealed the production of an amorphous NiP matrix for the majority of the coatings. However, the phase Ni12P5 was detected for the first time in the NiP matrix for the deposits containing phosporous up to 12wt.%, prepared under specified experimental conditions. Furthermore, the percentage of the embedded SiC microparticles was found to be strongly dependent on the duty cycle of the imposed pulses.