Research Projects

The present project aims to develop electroless nickel boron coatings with tungsten and multi-layers from a lead nitrate free bath. This would enable removal of toxic lead from the coating as well as enhance coating hardness, tribological behaviour, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and scratch resistance. Heat treatment of the coatings (muffle furnace, vacuum and nitriding) and the phase transformations will be investigated. Structure-property correlation and artificial intelligence modeling would be done to predict material properties and enable quick selection of the coatings for a specific application requiring remarkable mechanical and tribological characteristics under harsh conditions. Finally, the coating performance will be investigated in some practical conditions such as pipe bends subjected to three phase flow (abrasives as one phase), metal cutting tools and friction stir welding tool. Based on the results, a technology readiness level of 4 and higher will be attempted for further commercialization of the lead-free coatings. The coatings may find further usage in bearing races and slurry pump components.