Characterisation of Tribological Properties and Morphologies of Ni-P and Ni-B Coatings

The protective coatings industry is expanding, offering significant improvements in abrasion and wear resistance, which are crucial for economic sustainability. Despite the advancements, there remains a research gap in understanding the tribological properties and surface morphologies of electroless Ni-P and Ni-B coatings. This study aims to fill this gap by characterizing the surface structures, friction coefficients, and wear properties of two types of Ni-P and one type of Ni-B coatings. Using a ceramic ball counterpart in an SRV5 tribometer, we compared the wear rates according to Archard’s and Liu’s models, adhering to the DIN 51834-1 standard. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the impact of surface structures on friction coefficients and wear factors. The results reveal significant differences in wear resistance and friction behaviour among the coatings, providing valuable insights for their application in various industries.