Abstract: A series of Ni-P-SiC composite coatings were successfully prepared by electroless plat- ing process. Up to 22vol% SiC particles can be uniformly distributed in Ni-P matrix. It was found that hardness linearly increases with the SiC particles co-deposition in the as-deposited coatings. Heat-treatment can improve the coating properties, i.e. in the conditions 400℃ with 1h treated, Ni-P-SiC coating shows the highest hardness of HV₅₀1435. Wear tests show that electroless Ni-P- SiC exhibits good wear resistant property. The wear rate is only 30% of that of Ni-P coating and 10% of mild steel substrate, respectively.

Key words: electroless plating, composite coatings, wear resistant property