The Effects of Nickel-Plating on Al2O3 Particles Reinforced Steel Matrix Composites

The wettability between ceramic particles and metal play an important role in fabrication of ceramic particles reinforced metal matrix composites(PRMMCs). In present paper, Al2O3 particles were coated with nickel by chemical plating to modify the preparation and properties of Al2O3 particles reinforced steel matrix composites. Using the Al2O3 particles treated by chemical nickel-plating, Al2O3 particles reinforced steel matrix composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy process(PM). And the wear resistance of the composites was investigated. The results show that: the nickel coating can fully and tightly cover on the surface of Al2O3 particles, and the nickel coating thickness is uniform about 2~3 micron; The nickel coating can effectively improve the uniform distribution of Al2O3 particles in the composites. And the treated Al2O3 particles can be tightly bonded with steel matrix,which improve the wear resistance of composites. The wear resistance of composites reinforced treated and untreated Al2O3 particles each is 2.5 and 1.6 times of Hadfield steel.