Ni–P-multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite coatings prepared by mechanical attrition (MA)-assisted electroless plating

A mechanical attrition (MA)-assisted electroless plating technique has been developed to deposit Ni–P-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite coatings on carbon steel. MA was applied via the glass balls in a stirring bath containing electroless plating solution and CNTs. This article discussed the microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties as compared to the conventional electroless plating. EDS results showed that the MA-assisted coating possessed 59 wt.% CNTs, which was much higher than that of 22 wt.% in conventional coating. The composite coatings also exhibited the minimum coefficient of friction value of 0.14. However, the surface hardness decreased and the wear weight loss slightly increased after heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h. The mechanisms accounting for the formation of composite coating and the unique mechanical properties were further discussed.