Some morphological characteristics of the incorporation of silicon carbide(SiC) particles into electroless nickel deposits

A size study of the particles in electroless nickel composite deposits was carried out in order to obtain information about the inclusion of silicon c arbide (SiC) particles in the deposits. The surfaces and the metallographic cross-sections of the composite deposits were studied under a scanning ele ctron microscope. The metallographic cross-sections of the composite deposi ts were analysed by observation under an optical microscope, coupled with t he technique of image analysis and its data processing software. The result s obtained indicated that the particles which are incorporated best are tho se which are well dispersed in the bath and whose size is smallest. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.