The Effects of Deposition Parameters on the Properties of NiCr Coatings Obtained by Electroless Plating

The use of Nickel-Chromium (NiCr) alloys as surface coatings has gained widespread popularity in the power generation and aerospace industries due to their optimal resistance to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures. This study explores the synthesis of NiCr coatings via electroless autocatalytic deposition, a promising method that enables the formation of non-directional, Cr(VI)-free coatings. Coatings were deposited onto low-carbon steel (LF2) substrates and chromium nanoparticles were incorporated into an electroless nickel bath based on hydrazine monohydrate as the reducing agent. The stability of the bath was improved using Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) as a dispersing agent. Optimization of the deposition parameters allowed deposition of a 60 μm thick NiCr coating with 11 at.% chromium content ,obtained through a uniform distribution of well-dispersed chromium particles across the sample. This study highlights the potential of electroless autocatalytic deposition as a promising method for the synthesis of NiCr coatings.