Comparative Study of Tribological Properties of Ni-P Coatings under Dry and Lubricated Conditions

AbstractThis paper presents a comparative study of tribological behavior of electroless Ni-P coating under dry and lubricated condition based on Taguchi analysis. Mild steel specimens are used as the substrate material for the deposition of Ni-P coating. Based on L27 orthogonal array of Taguchi analysis, the friction and wear tests are conducted on a plate-on-roller type multi-tribotester. Three process parameters viz. normal load, sliding speed and duration of sliding are considered. It is seen that the normal load is the most significant factor followed by sliding speed and sliding time at 99% confidence level in case of friction coefficient. However, for wear normal load and sliding time are significant parameters at same confidence level. Confirmation tests are carried out to validate the analysis. Finally, the surface morphology, composition and compound analysis of the coatings are done by means of scanning electron microscope, energy dispersed x-ray micro-analyzer and x-ray diffraction analyzer respectively