Effect of high-phosphorus electroless nickel coating on fatigue life of Al–Cu–Mg–Fe–Ni alloy

The fatigue behaviour of Al–Cu–Mg–Fe–Ni alloy was evaluated in four different conditions: uncoated, after second zincating pre-treatment, coated with high phosphorus electroless nickel layer and coated with NiP and heat treated for hydrogen release. The results of the fatigue test indicated an increased fatigue life of the coated aluminium alloy up to 150%. This improvement was associated with the higher strength of the coating as compared to the substrate and with the development of compressive residual stresses in the coating during deposition.