PROPERTIES of NICKELSHIELD®

Summary of Physical Properties  
   
Specific Gravity 7.85 approximate
Melting Point 1635 Farenheit, 890 Celsius
Electrical Resistance 60 micro-ohms/cm/cm squared
Coeffient of Thermal Expansion

13 x 10-6 cm/cm/per degree C -or-
7.22 x 10-6 in/in/per degree F

Thermal Conductivity 0.0105 to 0.0135 cal/cm/sec/degree C
As-plated Hardness 49-50 Rockwell C
500 to 600 Vickers
Maximum Hardness 70 Rockwell C
1000 Vickers
Chemical Analysis Nickel 90-92%
Phosphorus 8 - 10%
Carbon 0.04%
Oxygen 0.0023%
Nitrogen 0.0047%
Hydrogen 0.0016%

UNIFORMITY AND POROSITY

Unlike electroplated nickel and other metals, NICKELSHIELD is deposited uniformly over all surfaces, no matter what the contours. There is no excessive build-up on threads and sharp edges or in blank areas, holes, and recesses. The chemical reaction deposits the nickel evenly over all surfaces with which the solution comes in contact.
In the as-plated condition, NICKELSHIELD has the struc­ture of a super-cooled liquid. Therefore, it is non-crystalline and is virtually non-porous.


CORROSION RESISTANCE

NICKELSHIELD shows superior corrosion resistance to many chemicals, and in particular, chemicals of an alkaline nature.
Coatings of one mil (.001 in.) on cold rolled plate have withstood 100 hours or more of the salt spray test ASTM-B-117-49T. When the rust pits do appear, there seems to be no tendency for them to spread, even when the part is left in the salt spray chamber.
Corrosion resistance is dependent upon complete coverage; and while NICKELSHIELD is innately non-porous, the cleanliness and surface finish of the part have a great bearing upon the quality of the finished product. A clean, smooth surface results in better corrosion resistance than a porous, rough surface.

ADHESION

The adhesion of NICKELSHIELD to the base metal is excellent. Values for the bond strength are in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 psi although there is no standard test method. NICKELSHIELD will pass the adhesion test called for in the specifications MIL-C-26074C- This test requires a 180° bend on 2 mil and 4 mil samples without flaking. The cracking that does appear parallel to the axis of the bend is due to exceeding the elastic limit of the NICKELSHIELD. Microscopic examination of the compression side of the bend will reveal that sometimes there is flaking in the coating itself, but not between the coating and the base metal.


HARDNESS AND DUCTILITY

The hardness of as-plated NICKELSHIELD averages 49- 50 Rockwell C. or 500 Vickers. Subsequent heat treating above 375°F (190°C.) causes the as-plated amorphous structure to start to change into a crystalline structure with a resulting increase in hardness. The maximum hardness of 70 Rockwell C or 1000 Vickers is obtained at 750°F (400°C.) for one hour.
The elastic strain of as-plated NICKELSHIELD is 2%. This can be increased to 6% by heat treating at 750°F for one-quarter hour, and even more by heat treating at 1550°F.