Nickel Boron Nitride Coating
MicroSlik is an electroless nickel deposit that includes a homogenous dispersion of hexagonal boron nitride particles. By using these particles, our plated coating offers unique qualities using a base of medium phosphorus electroless nickel combined with a uniform distribution of boron nitride particles. As surface wear occurs on the plating, fresh boron nitride particles become exposed acting as a self-renewing feature, which offers consistent performance of the plated coating. MicroSlik is an ideal coating choice for applications that require lubricity like what you would find with an EN/PTFE deposit but also greater wear resistance. MicroSlik’s nickel boron nitride coating offers wear resistance in addition to a low coefficient of friction, making it the perfect solution for new manufacturing projects or enhancing existing products.
Friction Coefficient & Lubricity of MicroSlik
Our MicroSlik offers a similar hardness and lubricity as electroless nickel/PTFE composite coatings. In high-wear applications, the coating can be heat treated to a more effective temperature compared to PTFE, which results in a harder coating with superior abrasion and wear resistance without compromising slickness. The natural lubricity of boron nitride offers unique properties when combined with electroless nickel such as dynamic coating that offers moderate corrosion protection, increased lubricity, and wear characteristics after just one coating.
Benefits & Features of MicroSlik
- Dry lubricity works up to 1600ºF, much higher than PTFE which is 550ºF
- Excellent wear resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- High hardness, (as-plated hardness of 48-52 Rc can be heat treated to achieve 62 Rc.)
- 100% coverage with uniform thickness
- Uniform coverage can be polished to a high luster
- Allows the use of easily machined or cheaper base materials.
- Sightly magnetic coating
- The perfect antidote to sliding wear with high hardness
- Provides low coefficient of friction
| EN Boron Nitride | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Typical Value | Technical DS | Notes | |
| Physical Appearance | Matt finish | Matt finish | ||
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ | 7.8 - 8.0 g/cm³ | ||
| Phosphorus Content | 6% | 5.0 - 7.0% | (weight %) | |
| Boron Nitride (Hexagonal) | 4 - 6% | (By weight) | ||
| Vickers | Knoop | Rockwell C | ||
| Hardness (as plated) | 600 | 550 - 630 | 50 - 55 | |
| Hardness (Heat treated) | 850 | 800 - 900 | 63 - 67 | 550°F for 4 hrs or equivalent |
| Wear Resistance (as plated) | 22 - 26 mg | (weight loss in mg) | ||
| Wear Resistance (Heat Treated) | 14 - 18 mg | Taber Wear Index (weight loss in mg) | ||
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Magnetic | Slightly (as plated) | |
| Electrical Resistivity | 100 - 150 | (Micro ohm/cm) | ||
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.054 | CoF | ||
| Corrosion Related Properties | ||||
| Nitric Acid Test | Fail | Withstand immersion for 30 seconds or more (before darkening) | ||
| Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117) | 5% NaCl, >.001" deposit | |||
| Aluminum | >96 hours | 4" × 6" polished panel | ||
| Carbon Steel | >96 hours | 4" × 6" polished panel | ||
| Intrinsic Stress | Tensile | |||
| Thickness Control | +/- 10% | (Accuracy) | ||
| Thickness (Range) | .00005" to .003" | |||
Industries Served
Medical
Manufacturing
Automotive
Aerospace
