A novel electroless Ni-W-P composite plating with polytetrafluoroethylene co-deposition: Assessment of corrosion resistance and microhardness

Electroless plating facilitates the deposition of high-performance metals onto substrate surfaces, thereby augmenting their corrosion resistance. Despite its advantages, strengthening the anti-corrosion property remains a pivotal area of research. This work innovatively co-deposited Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known for its robust hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance, onto Ni-W-P coating. Utilizing fluorocarbon surfactant perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (FC-4) as a dispersant, a series of Ni-W-P-PTFE coatings with varied PTFE concentrations (3, 6, 9, and 12 g/L) were synthesized. The outcomes demonstrated a significant enhancement in surface homogeneity for the composite coatings, with a water contact angle reaching 100.26 degrees, indicative of a favorable hydrophobic surface that positively impacts corrosion resistance. Notably, in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test, the coatings exhibited a maximum impedance arc radius of 8012 Omega & sdot;cm2. Furthermore, after a 48-hour salt spray test, the coatings displayed fine oxide particles and minimal defects on their corroded surfaces, confirming their exceptional corrosion resistance in prolonged corrosive environments. This work elucidates the beneficial effects of polymer-modified hydrophobic surfaces on corrosion resistance, thereby offering a distinctive contribution to the field of chemical plating in terms of material selection and polymer incorporation strategy. It also provides valuable references for a deeper understanding of the structural properties of PTFE itself and its corrosion resistance.