The development of optical mold coatings has become a key technology in precision optical components in recent years. Researchers are still seeking ideal electroforming materials capable of resisting higher temperature and improve the lifespan of optical mold. Examples of these materials include Ni-W, and Ni-Mo-P alloy plating, among others. However, the literature rarely mentions these alloys as protective coatings. This may be because coating stability, flatness, and strength cannot achieve the desired protective effects. This study develops a combination of two wet electrochemical processes to form a multi-layer coating on optical molds. This coating consists of Ni-W, and Ni-Mo-P alloys. The proposed treatment process attempts to enhance the mechanical strength of the mold and extend its lifespan. We first used electro-deposition to form a thick-film Ni-W coating, and then applied the electroless plating by nonisothermal deposition method (NITD) to create a Ni-Mo-P thin-film and form a multi-layer coating. We also measured the composition, hardness, and elastic modulus of the protective coating as a reference basis for the development of optical molds. The results of this study reveal the appropriate process parameters to provide the multilayer films with a high strength and flat surface. This article can serve as a reference for the development of optical mold coatings.

Nickel-tungsten (Ni-W) plating process exhibited fewer environmental hazards and lower health hazards than conventional chromium bath processes did, because they had the potential to be substituted for certain future applications. This study attempted to develop Ni-W alloy coatings with different weight percentages of tungsten to produce by using nickel-tungsten citrate electrolyte baths that are deposited by pulse current power source techniques. The composition of the ratio of tungsten/nickel was controlled by the change from ion mass transfer rates for the interface between cathodes and electrolytes that were caused by adjustment by charging the over potential or rest that was regulated by the on-off time during pulse and reverse-pulse current. In this study, the corrosion resistance and the composition of the coatings related to the operating parameters were also discussed through the analyses of the experimental design method. Results were found that Ni-W alloy compositions governed through regulation of pulse and pulse-reverse parameters. The frequencies of electric current, Ton and Toff with pulse duty cycles had great impact on chemical composition and surface morphology for the deposits. Results of the electrochemical tests indicated the pulse plated Ni-W metal alloy coatings in which the corrosion resistance was superior to that of the alloy deposited by the direct current technique.