Please be cautious about the adding sequence. Adding the electrolyte with the reducing agent before the buffer can sometimes lead to premature crystallization/precipitation of nickel. For me adding part of the buffer initially and after the other constituents are added some amount again to maintain the pH worked.

see A.Brenner Vol1 and 2 , academic press 1963

use deionized water to mix all these chemicals to from the plating bath solution and adjust the pH with ammonium hydroxide - ok

Dear Prof., Koushik, a good book about electroless deposition is "Electroless plating: fundamentals and applications". The book is a treatise about subject. See the link: http://books.google.com.br/books/about/Electroless_plating.html?id=tI-Dg_SxU9MC&redir_esc=y. If you like of the book, you can download it. Case you don't get, send me a email, that I send for you. I hope to have helped.

Please be cautious about the adding sequence. Adding the electrolyte with the reducing agent before the buffer can sometimes lead to premature crystallization/precipitation of nickel. For me adding part of the buffer initially and after the other constituents are added some amount again to maintain the pH worked.

Dear Mr Koushik, I have already sent the book.  Best regards.

Dear Dr Pravahan,

I agree with what you have pointed out as I have witnessed the same.                            Will try what you have suggested and revert back.

Best Regards

Vaibhav

Here you can download a free book of finishing (electroplating, electroless plating) where everything you need is explained.

http://metalfinishing.epubxp.com/i/49721/459

Regarding deionized water it is mandatory.

THERE IS ALSO A VERY GOOD BOOK , ENTITLED "CHEMICAL (ELECTROLESS)

NICKEL  PLATING" By:G.G. GAWRILOV.It contains several formulations for many substrates.

thanks all