Mechanical and tribological characterization of deep eutectic solvent assisted electroless Ni–P-hBN coating

Compositions and processing methods govern various characteristic features of electroless coatings. Electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) composite coatings containing varying amounts of hBN, deposited using a deep eutectic solvent (DES), achieved better tribological properties as compared to the coating of the same composition deposited in the conventional method. This study also attempted to determine the specific concentration of hBN particles in the electroless bath that deposits Ni–P-hBN coating with a superior combination of mechanical and tribological characteristics. Stronger bond formations of hBN particles in the Ni–P alloy matrix ensured by hBN's metallic behavior potentially influence its tribological properties.