Study of electroless nickel plating of ceramic particles

In the production of aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMC), the wettability of the reinforcement particulates by the matrix is an important factor. The manufacture of MMC reinforced with alumina particles require the use of specialized fabrication techniques such as rheocasting in order to achieve effective particle incorporation. Several surface treatments have been applied to alumina and other reinforcement particulates in order to modify particle wettability. The aim of this study was to investigate the deposition of Ni-P onto several ceramic particulate surfaces without the use of the conventional sensitization and activation steps. This nickel plating treatment, had the potential to improve the incorporation of alumina particles in aluminum melts, with respect to MMC formation by the plasma transferred arc (PTA) surfacing process.