Tribological properties of electroless Ni-P-SiC composite coatings in rolling/sliding contact under boundary lubrication

Ni-P-SiC composite coatings were prepared under a given bath composition and operation parameters of electroless plating. The tribological properties of the Ni-P-SiC composite coatings after annealing at 400°C for 1 h were tested in rolling/sliding contact under boundary lubrication condition using a two-roller tribometer. The measurement contained friction coefficient, contact surface temperature, contact electrical resistance, and wear rate of the Ni-P-SiC composite coatings under various slide to roll ratios, loads, and rolling speeds. For the simultaneous examination of the effect of the chosen parameters on the tribological properties of the Ni-P-SiC composite coatings, an orthogonal regression experimental design method was used.