Electrodeposition of composite layers consisting of inert inclusions in a metal matrix

The development of metal/polymer inclusion and metal/ceramic inclusion deposits over the last twenty years is reviewed and the shortcomings of current theories to predict the composition of the deposits are highlighted. The characteristics and applications of coatings such as Ni/PTFE, Ni/SiC, Ni/diamond, Cu/phenolic and Zn/polymer are illustrated by a description of deposits produced in the authors' laboratories. The possibility of produced novel coatings by temperature induced solid state diffusion within Ni/SiC coatings is demonstrated.