How can we deposit electroless nickel on titanium parts? F. A.
Answer:
The key to getting a good adhesive layer of electroless nickel on titanium is proper preparation of the titanium substrate. In the book, Electroless Nickel Plating, Wolfgang Riedel, ASM International, www.asm-intl.org, the following procedure is suggested:
Vapor degrease
Blast using 220 mesh alumina at four bar
Rinse thoroughly
Etch using 400 g/liter HNO3 + 5 g/liter HF for five minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Activate using a Wood’s nickel strike
Rinse thoroughly
Electroless nickel plate
The important thing to remember is that titanium forms a rather tenacious oxide on the surface almost instantaneously when exposed to the atmosphere. Hence, the steps in the above process must be performed rapidly.
