Structure, morphology and mechanical properties of electrodeposited composite coatings NiâP/SiC

Physical properties of the NiP/SiC deposits are discussed according to the electroplating parameters and heat treatments. The insertion of silicon carbide in the coatings does not modify their rigidity (E = 230 GPa), increases their hardness slightly (50 Vickers) and decreases the residual stresses in the coatings. The phosphorus content has a major effect on the structure and the physical properties. Indeed, the insertion of phosphorus into the deposits generates a grain size reduction or even an amorphisation which results in morphological modifications observed by AFM. In parallel a very important hardening is associated with incorporation of phosphorus: hardness is multiplied by 3 to reach 600 HV0.1. The deposits tend to become crystalline following the heat treatments. With 420 °C, the precipitation of a Ni3P phase which distorts the crystal lattice is observed, increasing the hardness of the deposits.