Effect of Heat Treatment and Applied Load on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ni-B-CeO2 Composite Electroless Coating

Cerium oxide (CeO2) particle reinforced Ni-B composite coating was produced by electroless method from a bath containing CeO2 particles. In the plating bath, nickel sulfate hexahydrate ((NiSO4.6H2O) used as source, dimethylamine borane ((CH3)2NHBH3) reducing agent, thiourea (CH4N2S) stabilizer and sodium acetate (CH3COONa) complexing agent. The aim of study is to investigate structural characterization effects wear test conditions on its tribological properties. surface morphology performed scanning electron microscope (SEM), phase structure analysis X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanohardness measurements were carried out with nanoindenter device, tests done ball-on-disk device. Worn analyzes made using 3D profilometer. Experimental results showed that hardness increased heat treatment; however, behavior changed depending different loads