A novel dual nickel coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

Magnesium alloys covered with metal coating display excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties. The electroless plating Ni-P as bottom layer following the electroplating nickel as surface layer on AZ91D magnesium alloy was investigated. The coating surface morphology was observed with SEM and the structure was analyzed with XRD. Electrochemical tests and salt spray tests were carried out to study the corrosion resistance. The experimental results indicate that the dual coating is uniform, compact and pore-free. The adhesion strength between magnesium alloy substrate and electroless plating Ni-P bottom layer and electroplating nickel surface layer is perfect. The corrosion resistance of AZ91D magnesium alloy is greatly improved after being protected with the dual coating.