Electroless nickel as a preplate for aluminum alloy wheels

In this paper we investigated the use of electroless nickel (EN) as a preplate on cast aluminum alloy wheels for subsequent electroplanting. The structure and properties of the EN layers have been determined. The results show that compared to electrodeposited nickel, the EN preplate exhibits better adhesion and corrosion resistance. Small-scale production tests on aluminum alloy wheels with 12- and 28-cm (4.7- and 11.0-in.) window depths indicate that the subsequent coatings on EN layers are more uniform and compact and impart improved corrosion resistance to the aluminum wheels.