Effect of copper content on the properties of electroless Ni–Cu–P coatings prepared on magnesium alloys

Abstract The Ni–Cu–P coatings were obtained by electroless plating method on ZK61M magnesium alloys. The effect of copper content on the properties of electroless Ni–Cu–P coatings on magnesium alloys was further studied. The coatings surface and cross-section morphologies were observed with scanning electron microscope. The crystal structure and corrosion resistance of Ni–Cu–P coatings were evaluated by X-ray diffractometer and electrochemical tests. The experimental results showed that the Ni–Cu–P coatings were uniform and compact, and the corrosion resistance of these coatings was superior to Ni–P coatings owing to the introduction of copper. The crystallinity and compactness of the Ni–Cu–P coatings gradually enhanced with the increasing of copper content in the coatings. The introduction of copper element in the Ni–Cu–P coatings contributes to the formation of passivation film. The Ni–Cu–P coatings with higher corrosion resistance were obtained from the solution with a higher CuSO 4 concentration.