Development of electroless nickel–phosphorous composite deposits for wear resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy

Abstract Electroless nickel–phosphorous composite deposits incorporating ZrO 2 , TiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3 on 6061 Al alloy have been investigated from acidic bath. The mechanism of incorporation of reinforced particles was suggested and confirmed in view of zeta potential and the calculated free energy of adsorption of the particles (Δ G ads °) of the composites. Scanning electron microscope evaluated the distributions of the reinforced particles in the deposits. The effect of different composites on the mechanical properties of the deposit such as hardness and wear resistance was studied and the wear mechanism of the deposit was suggested. The results indicate that the reinforced particles as well as the heat treatment provide satisfactory improvement in hardness and wear resistance of the deposits.