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Depth-dependent hardness variation of dimethylamine borane-reduced electroless Ni–5 wt-%B deposits has been examined using the nanoindentation technique. The deposits were characterised using ICP-OES, FESEM, XRD and DSC for evaluating the composition, morphology, structure and phase transformation behaviour, respectively. Coatings were also analysed for hardness and wear resistance. The surface of the as-plated deposit exhibits a typical nodular morphology. DSC traces show the presence of a single exothermic peak at 313°C conforming to its phase transformation. X-ray diffraction pattern of as-prepared deposit contains a mixture of amorphous and sharp microcrystalline nickel peaks. Heat-treated coating exhibits improved hardness and wear resistance. Depth-dependent nanohardness profile of as-deposited film neither obeys Nix–Gao nor the Lam–Chong model of indentation.

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