Electroless Ni-B-Si3N4 composite coating: deposition and evaluation of its characteristics properties

Deposition of electroless (EL) Ni-B-Si3N4 composite coating and its characteristic properties are addressed. Hydrogen evolution limits the level of incorporation of Si3N4 particles in the EL Ni-B matrix to 2 wt. %. Incorporation Si3N4 particles increased the surface roughness of the matrix but did not influence its structure. The microhardness of EL Ni-B-Si3N4 composite coating in its as-plated condition is 632 ± 17 HV0.1. Heat-treatment at 350 and 450 °C for 1 h increased its hardness. Adhesive wear is the predominant wear mechanism of EL Ni-B-Si3N4 composite coating. Its corrosion protective ability did not differ much with its plain counterpart.