Electroless Ni-B and composite coatings: A critical review on formation mechanism, properties, applications and future trends

Because of its unique properties, the electroless method is used as an effective and important technique to create uniform coatings. Among the coatings that can be made by electroless process is Ni-B coating due to its excellent properties such as good corrosion resistance, high wear resistance, high hardness, favorable oxidation resistance and use as an electrocatalyst to production of renewable energies has recently attracted a lot of attention. Due to the excellent properties of nickel-boron electroless coatings as well as recent advances in the emergence of effective Ni-B coatings, scientists have been able to improve the world's emerging challenges such as wear resistance and the production of renewable energies can exploit the potentials of these coatings to improve the mentioned properties on various metal surfaces. Because of the stated attractive properties, a comprehensive review article is needed to gain in-depth knowledge of the mechanism of creation, microstructure and chemical composition as well as strategies for improving corrosion resistance, tribological properties and production of renewable energies. In this review article, after introducing nickel-boron electroless coatings and examining the microstructure and chemical composition, recent developments in strategies to improvement in corrosion resistance, tribological properties, and the use of nickel-boron electroless coatings as electrocatalysts for production of renewable energies has been reviewed. Finally, a summary and future trend is given.