Electrodeposition of nickel–BN composite coatings

Electrodeposition of nickel–boron nitride (Ni–BN) composites is carried out from a sulfamate bath containing up to 10 g/l of dispersed boron nitride particles with size 0.5 μm. Microhardness and wear resistance of the composites are investigated. Both the properties are influenced by the amount of incorporated boron nitride particles. Commercial surfactant containing alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium saccharinate is used to stabilize the electrolyte: the effects on mechanical properties and structure of the electrodeposits are investigated. Morphology of the coatings and the effects of codeposited particles on metal matrix structure are reported.