Preparation of nickel coating on ZTA particles by electroless plating

With the aim to effectively improve the interface between ZrO2 toughened Al2O3 (ZTA) particles and metal matrix, nickel was deposited on the surface of ZTA particles by electroless plating method. Formation mechanism of nickel coating and effects of the solution pH, loading capacity of ZTA particles and temperature on the nickel deposition were investigated. Microstructures, thickness and element distributions of nickel coating were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the nickel was successfully deposited on the surface of ZTA particles by electroless plating without noticeable defects. The process of electroless nickel plating could be explained by combination of atomic hydrogen and electrochemistry theories. The interfacial nucleation of nickel is easier to form than spontaneous nucleation in the solution. Deposited Nickel has priority on the surface of ZTA particles comparing to that in solution. The optimal conditions to coat nickel on the surface of ZTA particles are: solution pH 4.7–4.8, loading capacity 15–20 g/L, and electroless plating temperature 85 °C. The ZTA particle reinforced iron matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy could have better interfacial bonding between ZTA particle and iron matrix because of the nickel coating on the surface of ZTA particle. Nickel diffuses into the iron matrix during the sintering preparation of composite materials. The interface between ZTA particle and iron matrix presents the evidence of non-chemical bonding.