This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: B733 − 22

Standard Specification for

Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on
Metal1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B733; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* bondability, increased electrical conductivity, and resistance to

1.1 This specification covers requirements for autocatalytic strong alkali solutions.
(electroless) nickel-phosphorus coatings applied from aqueous 1.8 The medium phosphorous coatings (5 to 9 % P) are most
solutions to metallic products for engineering (functional) uses. widely used to meet the general purpose requirements of wear
1.2 The coatings are alloys of nickel and phosphorus pro- and corrosion resistance.
duced by autocatalytic chemical reduction with hypophosphite. 1.9 The high phosphorous (more than 10 % P) coatings
Because the deposited nickel alloy is a catalyst for the reaction, have superior salt-spray and acid resistance in a wide range of
the process is self-sustaining. The chemical and physical applications. They are used on beryllium and titanium parts for
properties of the deposit vary primarily with its phosphorus low stress properties. Coatings with phosphorus contents
content and subsequent heat treatment. The chemical makeup greater than 11.2 % P are not considered to be ferromagnetic.
of the plating solution and the use of the solution can affect the 1.10 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
porosity and corrosion resistance of the deposit. For more as standard.
details, see ASTM STP 265 (1)2 and Refs (2), (3), (4), and (5).
1.11 The following precautionary statement pertains only to
1.3 The coatings are generally deposited from acidic solu- the test method portion, Section 9, of this specification. This
tions operating at elevated temperatures. standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
1.4 The process produces coatings of uniform thickness on if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
irregularly shaped parts, provided the plating solution circu- of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
lates freely over their surfaces. environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 The coatings have multifunctional properties, such as 1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
hardness, heat hardenability, abrasion, wear and corrosion dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
resistance, magnetics, electrical conductivity provide diffusion ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
barrier, and solderability. They are also used for the salvage of Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
worn or mismachined parts. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.6 The low phosphorus (2 to 4 % P) coatings are microc- Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rystalline and possess high as-plated hardness (620 to 750 HK
2. Referenced Documents
100). These coatings are used in applications requiring abra-
sion and wear resistance. 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
B368 Test Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt
1.7 Lower phosphorus deposits in the range between 1 %
Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
and 3 % phosphorus are also microcrystalline. These coatings
B374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating
are used in electronic applications providing solderability,
B380 Test Method for Corrosion Testing of Decorative
Electrodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure
B487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Coating Thickness by Microscopical Examination of
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Cross Section
B08.03 on Engineering Coatings.
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
3
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as B733 – 21. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
10.1520/B0733-22. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
end of the text. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 B733 − 22
B499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thicknesses Anodic Polarization Measurements
by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on G31 Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of
Magnetic Basis Metals Metals
B504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metal- G59 Test Method for Conducting Potentiodynamic Polariza-
lic Coatings by the Coulometric Method tion Resistance Measurements
B537 Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected G85 Practice for Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
to Atmospheric Exposure 2.2 SAE Documents:5
B567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness AMS 2430 Shot Peening6
by the Beta Backscatter Method AMS 2590 Rotary Flap Peening of Metal Parts7
B568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness 2.3 ANSI Standard:8
by X-Ray Spectrometry ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
B571 Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic spection by Attributes9
Coatings 2.4 Military Standard:10
B578 Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Elec- MIL-STD-1916 DOD Preferred Methods of Acceptance of
troplated Coatings Product
B602 Guide for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inor- 2.5 ISO Standard:11
ganic Coatings ISO 4527 Metallic Coatings-Autocatalytic (Electroless)
B667 Practice for Construction and Use of a Probe for Nickel-Phosphorus Alloy Coatings—Specification and
Measuring Electrical Contact Resistance Test Methods
B678 Test Method for Solderability of Metallic-Coated
Products 3. Terminology
B697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection 3.1 Definitions:
of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings 3.1.1 significant surfaces, n—those substrate surfaces which
B762 Guide of Variables Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic the coating must protect from corrosion or wear, or both, and
Coatings that are essential to the performance.
B849 Specification for Pre-Treatments of Iron or Steel for
Reducing Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement 3.2 Other Definitions—Terminology B374 defines most of
B850 Guide for Post-Coating Treatments of Steel for Reduc- the technical terms used in this specification.
ing the Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement
4. Coating Classification
B851 Specification for Automated Controlled Shot Peening
of Metallic Articles Prior to Nickel, Autocatalytic Nickel, 4.1 The coating classification system provides for a scheme
or Chromium Plating, or as Final Finish to select an electroless nickel coating to meet specific perfor-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water mance requirements based on alloy composition, thickness and
D2670 Test Method for Measuring Wear Properties of Fluid hardness.
Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Method) 4.1.1 TYPE describes the general composition of the de-
D2714 Test Method for Calibration and Operation of the posit with respect to the phosphorus content and is divided into
Falex Block-on-Ring Friction and Wear Testing Machine five categories which establish deposit properties (see Table 1).
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging NOTE 1—Due to the precision of some phosphorus analysis methods, a
D4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic deviation of 0.5 % has been designed into this classification scheme.
Coatings by the Taber Abraser Rounding of the test results due to the precision of the limits provides for
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related an effective limit of 4.5 % and 9.5 %, respectively. For example, coating
Materials by Spectrophotometry with a test result for phosphorus of 9.7 % would have a classification of
TYPE V, see Appendix X5, Alloy TYPEs.
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell 4.2 Service Condition Based on Thickness:
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-
scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness 5
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
E156 Test Method for Determination of Phosphorus in PA 15096, [Link]
6
High-Phosphorus Brazing Alloys (Photometric Method) The original reference MIL-S-13165 Shot Peening of Metal Parts was cancelled
(Withdrawn 1993)4 in February 1998 and referred to SAE AMS-S-13165, which was also cancelled and
superseded by AMS 2430.
E352 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Tool Steels and 7
The original reference MIL-R-81841 Rotary Flap Peening of Metal Parts was
Other Similar Medium- and High-Alloy Steels cancelled in April 2012 and referred to SAE AMS 2590.
8
F519 Test Method for Mechanical Hydrogen Embrittlement Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, [Link]
Evaluation of Plating/Coating Processes and Service En- 9
The original reference MIL-STD-105 Sampling Procedures and Tables for
vironments Inspection by Attributes was cancelled in February 2008 and referred to MIL-
G5 Reference Test Method for Making Potentiodynamic STD-1916 or ANSI/ASQ Z1.4.
10
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D,
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
11
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
[Link]. Switzerland, [Link]

2
 B733 − 22
TABLE 1 Deposit Alloy Types TABLE 3 Classification of Post Heat Treatment
Type Phosphorus % wt Temperature
Class Description Time (h)
I No Requirement for Phosphorus (°C)
II 1 to 3 1 No Heat Treatment, As Plated
III 2 to 4 2 Heat Treatment for Maximum Hardness
IV 5 to 9 TYPE I 260 20
V 10 and above 285 16
320 8
400 1
TYPE II 350 to 380 1
TYPE III 360 to 390 1
TYPE IV 365 to 400 1
4.2.1 Service condition numbers are based on the severity of TYPE V 375 to 400 1
the exposure in which the coating is intended to perform and 3 Adhesion on Steel 180 to 200 2 to 4
4 Adhesion, Carburized Steel and 120 to 130 1 to 6
minimum coating thickness to provide satisfactory perfor- Age Hardened Aluminum
mance (see Table 2). 5 Adhesion on Beryllium and 140 to 150 1 to 2
4.2.2 SC0 Minimum Service, 0.1 µm—This is defined by a Aluminum
6 Adhesion on Titanium 300 to 320 1 to 4
minimum coating thickness to provide specific material prop-
erties and extend the life of a part or its function. Applications
include requirements for diffusion barrier, undercoat, electrical
conductivity, and wear and corrosion protection in specialized
environments.
4.2.3 SC1 Light Service, 5 µm—This is defined by a 4.3.3 Class 3—Heat treatment at 180 °C to 200 °C for 2 h to
minimum coating thickness of 5 µm for extending the life of 4 h to improve coating adhesion on steel and to provide for
the part. Typical environments include light-load lubricated hydrogen embrittlement relief (see 6.6).
wear, indoor corrosion protection to prevent rusting, and for 4.3.4 Class 4—Heat treatment at 120 °C to 130 °C for 1 h to
soldering and mild abrasive wear. 6 h to increase adhesion of carburized steel or heat-treatable
4.2.4 SC2 Mild Service, 13 µm—This is defined by mild (age-hardened) aluminum alloys (see Note 3).
corrosion and wear environments. It is characterized by indus- 4.3.5 Class 5—Heat treatment at 140 °C to 150 °C for 1 h to
trial atmosphere exposure on steel substrates in dry or oiled 2 h to improve coating adhesion for aluminum, non age-
environments. hardened aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, or beryllium.
4.2.5 SC3 Moderate Service, 25 µm—This is defined by 4.3.6 Class 6—Heat treatment at 300 °C to 320 °C for 1 h to
moderate environments such as non marine outdoor exposure, 4 h to improve coating adhesion for titanium alloys.
alkali salts at elevated temperature, and moderate wear. NOTE 3—Heat-treatable aluminum alloys such as Type 7075 can
4.2.6 SC4 Severe Service, 75 µm—This is defined by a very undergo microstructural changes and lose strength when heated to over
aggressive environment. Typical environments would include 130 °C.
acid solutions, elevated temperature and pressure, hydrogen
sulfide and carbon dioxide oil service, high-temperature chlo- 5. Ordering Information
ride systems, very severe wear, and marine immersion. 5.1 The following information shall be supplied by the
NOTE 2—The performance of the autocatalytic nickel coating depends purchaser in either the purchase order or on the engineering
to a large extent on the surface finish of the article to be plated and how drawing of the part to be plated:
it was pretreated. Rough, non uniform surfaces require thicker coatings 5.1.1 Title, ASTM designation number, and year of issue of
than smooth surfaces to achieve maximum corrosion resistance and this specification.
minimum porosity.
5.1.2 Classification of the coating by type, service
4.3 Post Heat Treatment Class—The nickel-phosphorus condition, class (see 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3).
coatings shall be classified by heat treatment after plating to 5.1.3 Specify maximum dimension and tolerance
increase coating adhesion or hardness, or both (see Table 3). requirements, if any.
4.3.1 Class 1—As-deposited, no heat treatment. 5.1.4 Peening, if required (see 6.3).
4.3.2 Class 2—Heat treatment at 260 °C to 400 °C to 5.1.5 The tensile strength of the material in MPa (see 6.3.1
produce a minimum hardness of 850 HK100. and 6.6).
5.1.6 Stress relief heat treatment before plating (see 6.3).
5.1.7 Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief after plating (see 6.6).
TABLE 2 Service Conditions 5.1.8 Significant surfaces and surfaces not to be plated must
Coating Thickness Requirements be indicated on drawings or sample.
Minimum Coating 5.1.9 Supplemental or Special Government Requirements
Service Condition Thickness µm in.
Specification such as, specific phosphorus content, abrasion wear or corro-
SC0 Minimum Thickness 0.1 0.000004 sion resistance of the coating, solderability, contact resistance
SC1 Light Service 5 0.0002 and packaging selected from Supplemental Requirements.
SC2 Mild Service 13 0.0005 5.1.10 Requirement for a vacuum, inert, or reducing atmo-
SC3 Moderate Service 25 0.001
SC4 Severe Service 75 0.003 sphere for heat treatment above 260 °C to prevent surface
oxidation of the coating (see S1.3).