The paper presents the results of research on composite Ni-B coatings with embedded particles of boron produced by a chemical reduction method and their influence on the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of produced materials. Boron was used in two forms: an alloy component and nanoparticles incorporated into the Ni-B matrix. The coatings were deposited from a bath at different concentrations of dispersion phase. The paper also presents the characteristics of the used boron particles. Results of morphology and surface topography (SEM) as well as the structure (XRD) of the produced coatings are presented. The mechanical properties of the produced coatings, like Knoop hardness, Martens hardness, and indentation hardness, as well as the modulus of elasticity, were determined. The tribological tests were carried out using the ball-on-disc method. Electrochemical corrosion tests were conducted by the potentiodynamic method. The adhesion of the coatings to the substrate was evaluated by the scratch test method. Consequently, this investigation yielded a novel material in the form of Ni-B/B composite coatings, exhibiting significantly improved mechanical and tribological properties compared to Ni-B coatings without embedded particles of the dispersion phase.

This article presents Cu/diamond composite coatings produced by electrochemical reduction on steel substrates and a comparison of these coatings with a copper coating without diamond nanoparticles (<10 nm). Deposition was carried out using multicomponent electrolyte solutions at a current density of 3 A/dm² and magnetic stirring speed of 100 rpm. Composite coatings were deposited from baths with different diamond concentrations (4, 6, 8, 10 g/dm³). This study presents the surface morphology and structure of the produced coatings. The surface roughness, coating thickness (XRF), mechanical properties (DSI), and adhesion of coatings to substrates (scratch tests) were also characterized. The coatings were also tested to assess their solderability, including their spreadability, wettability of the solder, durability of solder-coating bonds, and a microstructure study.

Composite coatings have been successfully fabricated at the laboratory scale in many research centers around the world; however, it is still a major challenge to transfer the positive results of the work to the industrial scale. This paper presents the technology for the production of Ni-B and Ni-B/B composite coatings on a pilot experimental semi-technical line by chemical reduction. A process scheme for the fabrication of Ni-B layers and composite coatings with a nickel–boron matrix and a dispersive phase in the form of boron nanoparticles was developed. All stages of the fabrication process were described in detail. The dispersion phase of the boron particles was characterized, and the performance properties of the Ni-B and Ni-B/B composite coatings produced on a pilot electroplating line were studied. The structure and morphology of the Ni-B/B composite coatings were characterized for comparison with nickel–boron coatings. Their mechanical and tribological properties and adhesion to the substrate were studied. The influence of the dispersion phase of boron particles on the structure and functional properties of the composite coatings was evaluated. In order to improve the performance of the fabricated coatings, a heating process at 400 °C was carried out, and the performance of Ni-B and composite Ni-B/B coatings was studied after the heat treatment operation.

Diamond particles with nanoscale dimensions are used as a dispersion phase incorporated into a Ni–P alloy coating. Three variants of coatings are produced, differing in the concentration of diamond particles in the bath: 0, 0.1, and 1.0 g/dm³. The diamond particles are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology and internal structure of the coatings are characterised by SEM, while their phase structure is determined by XRD. The amount of diamond particles incorporated into the composite coatings is determined by gravimetric analysis. The effect of diamond incorporation on surface roughness (Ra and Rz parameters), hardness (HK0.025), abrasive wear resistance (ball-on-disc test), and the adhesion of the coatings to the steel substrate (scratch test) is investigated. The coatings are also evaluated for solderability, with tin-based solders, and the microstructure of the produced joints was analysed. The incorporation of diamond particles into the Ni–P coating results in changes in surface morphology and significantly affects the coatings’ properties. An increase in hardness and improved abrasion resistance are observed compared with Ni–P coatings without incorporated particles. The results of the study provide valuable information on the potential application of diamond-reinforced composite coatings. Owing to the synergistic effect between the matrix and the dispersion phase, these materials may be of particular interest to the electronics industry.