**2. Experimental methods**

The methodology consists of three sections: Process of EN coating, machining process, and cutting feasibility.

#### **2.1 EN co-deposition**

In this experiment, 50 g/l CBN powder was inserted into the bath plus the substrate. Then, suspended particles near the surface were co-deposited onto the substrate surface through the agitation process. It was found that the EN solution pH range was between pH 4.9 and pH 5.4. The bath temperature was maintained at 89 ± 20°C throughout the coating process. The coating time was kept constant at 60 min. Mechanical stirring was performed with a Jenway hot plate equipped with a magnetic stirrer, and the air bubbling was supplied at 1.2 W pressure. The entire coating process is summarised in **Figure 1**.

The composite Ni-CBN deposition was carried out on a Carbide and HSS substrate with a dimension standard of ∅10 x 7.8 mm. Chemical etching and mechanical blasting were used to prepare the substrate sample's surfaces. CBN powder reinforcement ceramic particles were used. CBN powders offer superior heat conductivity and increased surface integrity when it comes to hardened alloys, nickel, cobalt-based superalloys, and tool steels. **Figure 2** displays the 7.8 mm diameter sample as a substrate for EN co-deposition.

*Characterisation and Application of Nickel Cubic Boron Nitride Coating via Electroless Nickel… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105364*

**Figure 2.** *Substrates for EN co-deposition: Solid carbide and HSS.*
