Effects of Drawing Conditions after Ni-Plating on Corrosion Resistance of Ni-Plated Steel Wire

Abstract

Ni-plated steel wires used for springs in electrical appliances and other devices have good corrosion resistance. They are expected as alternatives to stainless-steel wire in a mildly corrosive environment. Further corrosion resistance is required for applications in automobile parts. The reasons for the low corrosion resistance are assumed to be a decrease in the average Ni-plated thickness upon drawing, and the variation in the Ni-plating thickness owing to the irregular deformation of the interface between the Ni-plating and the base material. In this study, the effects of the drawing conditions and Ni-plated thickness on corrosion resistance were examined. Under drawing conditions, the reduction in area varies from 0% to 40%. On the other hand, Ni-plated thickness is in the range from 2μm to 30μm. It is found that the drawing with a 10% reduction in area after applying Ni-plating thicker than 30μm are the most effective conditions for corrosion resistance.