Ni–Zn–P alloy deposition from sulfate bath: inhibitory effect of zinc

Electroless Ni–Zn–P alloy deposition from a sulphate bath, containing sodium hypophosphite as reducer, was investigated. To increase the plating rate, the deposition parameters were optimized. The effect of process parameters (T, pH and [Zn2+]) on the plating rate and deposit composition was examined and it was found that the presence of zinc in the bath has an inhibitory effect on the alloy deposition. As a consequence, the percentage of zinc in the electroless Ni–Zn–P alloys never reaches high values. Using cyclic voltammetry the electrodeposition mechanism of Ni–Zn–P alloys was investigated. It was observed that the zinc deposition inhibits the nickel discharge and, as a consequence, its catalytic activity on hypophosphite oxidation. It was also found that increase in temperature or pH leads to the deposition of nickel rich alloys.