Low-Phosphorus Electroless Nickel (Phosphorus Content 1% to 4%) Low-phosphorus electroless nickel coatings have a hardness of 58 to 62 Rc, offering excellent wear resistance and good corrosion resistance under alkaline conditions. The coating also has a high melting point. The deposit is under compressive stress, and the plating can be easily welded. It is generally more expensive than medium- and high-phosphorus electroless nickel coatings.