This standard contains the requirements for autocatalytic nickel boron alloy coatings deposited from aqueous solutions without the use of external electric sources. The specification classifies the hard, uniform, microporous, and limited corrosion protection coatings as either Type 1 or Type 2 depending on the boron content. Both the physical and mechanical properties of the coatings such as density, hardness, stress, and melting point also vary with the boron content. In general, these coatings are not heat treated to maintain solderability.

1.1 Nickel boron coatings are produced by autocatalytic (electroless) deposition from aqueous solutions. These solutions contain either an alkylamineborane or sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, a source of nickel ions, a buffer, complexant, and control chemicals.

1.2 This specification describes the requirements for coatings of autocatalytic nickel boron deposited from aqueous solutions onto substrates for engineering use. The specification classifies these coatings into two types:

1.2.1 Type 1 coatings  have a boron content of 0.1 to less than 3.5 mass percent with the balance nickel.

1.2.2 Type 2 coatings  have a boron content of 3.5 to 6 mass percent and a minimum of 90 mass percent nickel.

1.3 The coatings are hard and uniform in thickness, even on irregular shaped parts, and used in a wide range of applications.

1.4 Process solutions formulated with an alkylamineborane usually produce coatings that contain 0.1 to 3.5 % boron. Thin coatings of this type provide bondability and solderability on electronic components such as lead frames, electrical contacts, and headers. To maintain solderability, these coatings are generally not heat treated.

1.5 Process solutions formulated with sodium borohydride are strongly alkaline and are frequently used to plate steel and titanium parts to impart surface hardness and wear resistance properties. Deposits produced from these processes can contain 3 to 5 % boron and thallium or other metals which are used to stabilize the plating solution and modify the coating properties.

1.6 The physical and mechanical properties of these deposits such as density, hardness, stress, and melting point will vary with the boron content. The variation of boron content also affects the quantity and structure of nickel boride precipitated during heat treatment. In the as-plated condition the deposit consists of a predominantly amorphous mixture of nickel and boron with a hardness of about 700 HKN. When the deposit is heated above 300°C the nickel crystallizes, forming nickel clusters of Ni (111) and boron precipitates as nickel boride, Ni₃B (211) and (311), increasing the hardness to greater than 1000 HK₁₀₀ for Type 2 coatings.

1.7 The nickel boron coatings are microporous and offer limited corrosion protection. Their columnar structure, however, is beneficial in reducing wear because it provides a means of trapping lubricants within the surface of the coated part.

1.8 This document describes only autocatalytic nickel boron coatings that have been produced without use of external electric sources.

1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.10 The following hazards caveat pertains only to the Test Methods section of this specification: This standard does not purport to address the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1: The following AMS standards are not requirements. They are referenced for information only: AMS 2399 and AMS 2433.