The effects of heat treatment on microindentation hardness, abrasion and corrosion resistance of electroless nickel coatings

A study has been carried out to investigate the effects of heat treatment on microindentation hardness, abrasion and corrosion resistance of Electroless Nickel coatings. In particular, a proprietary coating system, NIKLAD 794 has been investigated. Samples of 4130 steel have been plated according to manufacturer's specifications. The plated samples have then been subjected to an array of heat treatment temperatures and times. Post heat treatment tests have been conducted including Taber Abrasion testing, salt fog chamber testing, and Knoop microindentation hardness testing. Results of the individual tests have been compared to determine the effects of heat treatment on, and the interactions between, the parameters examined