EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND CORROSION RESISTANCE OF Ni-B-W-Mo COATING DEPOSITED BY ELECTROLESS METHOD

The present work reports the deposition of a quaternary Ni-B-W-Mo coating on AISI 1040 medium carbon steel and its characterization. Quaternary deposits are obtained by suitably modifying existing electroless Ni-B bath. Composition of the as-deposited coating is analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The structural aspects of the as-deposited and coatings heat treated at 300 degrees C, 350 degrees C, 400 degrees C, 450 degrees C and 500 degrees C are determined using X-ray diffraction technique. Surface of the as-deposited and heat-treated coatings is examined using a scanning electron microscope. Very high W deposition could be observed when sodium molybdate is present in the borohydride-based bath along with sodium tungstate. The coatings in their as-deposited condition are amorphous while crystallization takes place on heat treatment. A nodulated surface morphology of the deposits is also observed. Vickers' microhardness and crystallite size measurement reveal inclusion of W and Mo results in enhanced thermal stability of the coatings. Solid solution strengthening of the electroless coatings by W and Mo is also observed. The applicability of kinetic strength theory to the hardening of the coatings on heat treatment is also investigated. Corrosion resistance of Ni-B-W-Mo coatings and effect of heat treatment on the same are also determined by electrochemical techniques.