Abstract: A method of producing a composite electroless nickel layer on a substrate is described. The method includes the steps of contacting the substrate with a composite electroless nickel plating bath and generating an electrostatic field in the electroless nickel plating bath. The electric field is generated by placing an anode in the electroless nickel plating bath and connecting the anode to a positive terminal of a DC rectifier, and connecting the substrate to a negative terminal of the DC rectifier, and preferably inserting a capacitor into the circuit to prevent passage of current. An attractive force generated by the electrostatic field increases the attraction of the positively charged PTFE particles to the negatively charged substrate and drives the positively charged PTFE particles to the negatively charged substrate.

Abstract: A process for electrolessly plating particulate matter is disclosed wherein the particulate and the electroless plating solution, without a reducing agent component, are combined with agitation in a plating vessel. If necessary, activator species are added directly to the plating solution. The reducing agent component is then added to the plating solution to initiate plating. Reliable plating upon the particulate, without instability of the plating solution, is achieved.

Abstract: A process for electrolessly plating particulate matter is disclosed wherein the particulate and the electroless plating solution, without a reducing agent component, are combined with agitation in a plating vessel. If necessary, activator species are added directly to the plating solution. The reducing agent component is then added to the plating solution to initiate plating. Reliable plating upon the particulate, without instability of the plating solution, is achieved.

Abstract: A process for electrolessly plating nickel-phosphorous is disclosed which allows for adjusting and maintaining pH by adding, with mixing, a strong alkali, such as alkali metal hydroxides, to the electroless nickel plating solution which has been previously cooled to below about 140° F. (i.e. below normal operating temperature) on a regular or continuous basis. Preferably, the strong alkali is a solution of alkali metal hydroxides which contain less than about 700 g/l of alkali metal hydroxide.