ELECTROLESS NI-CU PTFE COMPOSITE COATINGS

A composite Ni-Cu-PTFE coating was prepared by electroless plating. Th e composite consisted of 8.1 per cent PTFE, 60.8 per cent Ni, 21.1 per cent Cu and 10 per cent P by weight. DSC, X-ray, SEM and ESCA etc. we re used to determine the structures and properties of the composite. T he results show that the composite was composed of f.c.c. copper and a n amorphous alloy of nickel and phosphorus, as-plated with crystalline Ni3P after heat-treatment. AES analysis indicated the proportions of Ni, Cu, P and F were 19.9 : 16.1 : 25 : 39 on the surface of the compo site. ESCA analysis showed further that copper and phosphorus were pre sent as elements and P5+ on the composite surface and nickel existed i n form of Ni2O3 and Ni2+, whereas fluorine and carbon existed in the f orm of PTFE. Tests proved that the composite of Ni-Cu-PTFE has good tr ibological properties. The composite wear is lower 26 per cent by weig ht than that of the coating of M-Cu-P in dry condition.