Several metals are commonly deposited using electroless plating for various applications. The choice of metal depends on the desired properties of the coating and the specific requirements of the application. Here are some popular metals deposited through electroless plating:
Nickel (Ni): Nickel is one of the most widely used metals in electroless plating. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and hardness. Nickel-plated surfaces are often used for engineering applications, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Gold (Au): Gold is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Gold-plated surfaces are commonly used in electronics, connectors, jewelry, and decorative applications.
Silver (Ag): Silver is valued for its high electrical conductivity, making it a popular choice for electroless plating in electronics, electrical connectors, and some decorative applications. Silver also has antimicrobial properties, which can be advantageous in certain settings.
Copper (Cu): Copper is often used in electroless plating for its electrical conductivity. Copper-plated surfaces find applications in the electronics industry, where conductivity is crucial. However, pure copper is not commonly deposited via electroless plating due to challenges in achieving uniform coatings.