Some morphological characteristics of the incorporation of silicon carbide (SiC) particles into electroless nickel deposits

A size study of the particles in electroless nickel composite deposits was carried out in order to obtain information about the inclusion of silicon carbide (SiC) particles in the deposits. The surfaces and the metallographic cross-sections of the composite deposits were studied under a scanning electron microscope. The metallographic cross-sections of the composite deposits were analysed by observation under an optical microscope, coupled with the technique of image analysis and its data processing software. The results obtained indicated that the particles which are incorporated best are those which are well dispersed in the bath and whose size is smallest. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.