EFFECT OF SILICON CARBIDE NANOPARTICLES SIZE ON FRICTION PROPERTIES OF ELECTROLESS NICKEL COATINGS

The nickel coatings were produced by electroless plating process, without and with addition of 5-7 vol.% SiC nanoparticles of five different sizes (10, 45, 100, 150 and 700 nm in diameter). Coatings were tested in as-deposited and in heat treated (heating at 300 degrees C for 6 h) condition, with two different surface textures preparation. This type of coatings was previously tested and showed improved abrasive wear resistance. Coefficients of friction testing of electroless nickel coatings in contact with bronze counter-body were determined in ambient air and unlubricated conditions. Static and kinetic coefficient of friction, as well as the difference between them, were analysed and discussed. The influence of size of embedded SiC particles in composite coatings, on tested friction properties of these coatings was also determined.