Microstructure, composition and formation mechanism of ultra-black surfaces on the electrodeposited nickel-phosphorous coatings

Light absorbing materials are of practical importance in the production of optical devices in aerospace technology. A new method of light absorbing coatings preparation on the basis of electrodeposited nickel-phosphorus coatings has been proposed. Modification of the electrolyte for nickel-phosphorus plating by the addition of saccharine allowed preparing an ultrablack surface with a reflectance coefficient less than 0.5%. Chemical composition of both surfaces has been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanism of their formation has been proposed. It has been found that etching in nitric acid leads to the partial oxidation of both surfaces with the formation of needle like microstructure.It also results in surface enrichment with phosphorus and formation of nickel phosphides particles of the variable composition. Products of the coating oxidation represent the matrix of amorphous nickel polyphosphates and polyphosphoric acids where fine Ni-P particles are distributed. Such composite structure is a well light absorbing medium. Formation of hypophosphite protective layer on the Ni-P coating obtained from saccharin free electrolyte reduces the thickness of light absorbing layer and changes its composition. Thus light absorbance ability of the coatings can be caused by both distribution of fine nickel-phosphorus particles in dielectric matrix and specific microstructure of their surfaces.

Automated summary

The study introduces a new method for preparing light absorbing coatings based on nickel-phosphorus coatings, achieving ultra-black surfaces through saccharin modification. Nitric acid etching leads to oxidation and microstructure formation, influencing the light absorption ability of the coatings.