Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Enquiries about Electroless Nickel Plating

I would like to know the mechanism of electroless plating of nickel on a substrate. Also, I would like to know why is electroless nickel is more corrosion resistant than electroplated nickel?

J. CHENG
- Hong Kong
2002

Very briefly, electroless nickel is a solution which contains a powerful reducing agent like sodium hypophosphite or sodium borohydride which is capable of reducing the dissolved nickel to nickel metal in the presence of a catalyst, and the catalyst is nickel. So the reaction starts, and the deposited nickel continues to catalyze it.

It is more corrosion resistant than electrolytic nickel for two reasons. Firstly, a nickel-phosphorous alloy "metallic glass" is deposited, not nickel metal. Secondly, the thickness distribution is much better so there are no "thin spots" to rust.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2002

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: