Eco-friendly, cost-effective electroless Ag plating based on a novel Ni–P activation process on magnesium titanate ceramic

An eco-friendly, cost-effective route for fabrication of silver (Ag) coatings on the surface of magnesium titanate ceramic by electroless plating (EP) based on a novel Ni–P activation process was developed successfully. Coarsened ceramic surface was implanted in situ abundant nano-scale Ni–P spherical active particles via facilely soaking in aqueous solution containing nickel sulphate as Ni source, sodium hypophosphite as major reducing agent and introducing a trace of sodium borohydride to induce initial deposition. The validity of the novel activation process was confirmed by the subsequent experimental fact that Ag EP coatings could deposit smoothly. The surface and cross-section micro-morphologies of typical samples and their element constituent as well as distribution were characterized by SEM and EDS. The deposition rate of Ag coatings and their comprehensive performances including appearance, electric conductivity, adhesion and microhardness were evaluated. The results indicates that the novel Ni–P process could provide the best activating effect to ensure the deposition of high-quality Ag coatings by comparison with traditional Ni–B activation and classical stannous activation.