Effect of Dispersed Particles of Various Kinds, Grain Sizes on the Wear Properties of Composite Ni-P Plating

Composite plating can be of a variety of types according both to the metal base and to the dispersed particles added, which may have a great effect on its properties. Only a few studies, however, have been reported on the plating properties. This paper describes the effect of various kinds of dispersed particles, their grain size and concentration on the wear properties of the composite Ni-5 %P plating, making use of the fact that there is difference in hardness between the matrix and the particles dispersed. The following conclusions were obtained. 1. Particles dispersed in composite Ni-P plating affected its wear properties, and dispersion of Si3N4 particles was more advantageous in terms of the wear properties of the plating than any other particles used. 2. Smaller particles were preferable from the standpoint of higher wear resistance of the plating. The smallest grain size used for dispersed particles in this study was 0.7μm. 3. Si3N4 particles included in the plating affected its wear properties and coating strength. The most desirable inclusion was in the range of 5 to 15 area%.