Electroless nickel-PTFE (Teflon) composite plating films formed by dispersing and co-depositing PTFE (Teflon) fine particles in nickel-phosphorus alloy plating films are used across a wide range of areas as functional plating combining the properties of Teflon particles, such as self-lubricity and water repellency with the properties of nickel-phosphorus films excelling in wear resistance. In particular, due to the self-lubricity (lubricating oil function) of Teflon, it is used on sliding surfaces for which lubricating oil cannot be used, playing an active part in the field of electrical and electronic devices.
- As the film composition, Teflon is contained by approximately 10 – 35vol% in a general nickel-phosphorus alloy matrix. The particle size of Teflon is approximately 0.2 - 0.3μm. The hardness is Hv400 – 700 (PTFE 12 – 28 vol%).
- Due to the low friction coefficient and self-lubricity (oil function) of Teflon particles, it is used on sliding surfaces for which lubricating oil cannot be used.
- While it has been found that nickel-phosphorus plating films exert antibacterial action, electroless nickel-Teflon composite plating combined with the non-adhesiveness (mold releasability) of Teflon particles is also used in the fields of manufacturing for foods, medicines, and nursing requiring washability and antibacterial properties.
Adoption examples
SEM photo of nickel-phosphorus-PTFE (Teflon) composite plated surface
