Characterisation of electroless Ni-P and electroless composite coatings Ni-P/Ni-PTFE

The present study is based on the investigation and characterisation of electroless nickel (Ni-P) and composite nickel - PTFE (Ni-P/Ni-PTFE) coatings. The plating bath composition and the technological regime for production of electroless nickel coatings are proposed. An easily controlled, eco-friendly and simple in operating system technology is developed applying electroless method EFTTOM-NICKEL. PTFE particles are added to the plating bath in suspension. The investigation on the possibility to obtain a stable PTFE suspension is implemented. One layer Ni-P coatings and double layer Ni-P/Ni-PTFE coatings are plated on steel samples. The volume percentage (vol. %) of incorporation of PTFE particles is defined depending on the temperature, pH, etc. microhardness, wear resistance tests and dynamic friction coefficient are measured and comparison the results are performed for Ni-P and Ni-P/Ni-PTFE coatings with different vol. % of incorporation of PTFE particles.