Characterization of Ni–P coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy with surfactants and nano-additives

Direct electroless Ni–P plating was done on AZ91D magnesium alloy by immersing magnesium AZ91D samples into a bath containing Nickel sulphate. The nucleation mechanism of Ni–P deposits on the AZ91D magnesium alloy in the presence of surfactants and nano-additives was studied by using SEM. The electroless Ni–P deposits were preferentially nucleated on the βMg17Al12 phase of AZ91D magnesium alloy. Ni–P coating was coated uniformly in the presence of surfactants. Effect of surfactant C-Tab with varying quantities was studied. Addition of surfactant C-Tab homogenized the Ni–P deposition on AZ91D magnesium alloy surface. The effect produced by surfactant C-Tab was maximum with minimum addition (1 g/l) of surfactant C-Tab further increase in the surfactant C-Tab quantity did not brought much changes in morphology. Effect of surfactant SLS was studied using SEM. Surfactant SLS when incorporated in small amounts (6 g/l and 12 g/l) only exerted a slight influence in Ni–P deposition on AZ91D alloy surface. However Ni–P deposition was more uniform and spread throughout the surface with the addition of SLS surfactant (18 g/l). Effect of nano additives Al2O3, ZnO, SiO2 were studied. Nano additive Al2O3 enhanced the deposition of Ni–P on AZ91D alloy when added in 0.6 g/l quantity. SiO2 addition also gave the same results. ZnO addition influenced the Ni–P deposition on AZ91D alloy positively. Ni–P surface coating was coated more uniform and spread throughout the surface with the addition of surfactants and nano-additives.