Effect of TiN concentration on microstructure and properties of Ni/W–TiN composites obtained by pulse current electrodeposition

In this study, Ni/W–TiN composites were fabricated by the pulse current electrodeposition (PCE) method. The effects of TiN concentration on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear properties of the resulting composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness tester, and friction wear testing. Among the four obtained composites, Ni/W–TiN composite prepared at 8 g/L showed the densest and finest surface structure. The TiN contents in obtained Ni/W–TiN composites at 8 and 16 g/L were estimated to 8.1 and 5.4 wt%, respectively. The average Ni/W grain diameter in Ni/W–TiN composite obtained at 8 g/L TiN was recorded as 84.7 nm. The protrusion and depression heights of the composite deposited at 8 g/L were 81.8 and 45.4 nm, respectively. This composite also processed an average microhardness of 897.6 HV, with only a few shallow and narrow scratches on its worn surface, demonstrating its prominent wear resistance when compared to the other three composites.     

Preparation and wear assessment of ultrasonic electrodeposited Ni–TiN thin films

In this study, pure Ni and Ni–TiN thin films were prefabricated from a reformative Watt nickel bath through ultrasonic electrodeposition (UE) under pulse current (PC) condition. The effects of ultrasonic intensity on surface morphology, microstructure and phase composition were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Vickers hardness, the friction coefficient and the wear resistance of Ni and Ni–TiN thin films were also estimated. All SEM, SPM, and TEM results demonstrated that the Ni-TiN thin film obtained at the ultrasonic intensity of 30?W/cm² had a fine, smooth and homogeneous surface morphology. The root-mean-square roughness (Rms) and arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the film with a surface area of 4.096?µm² were 36.813?nm and 22.836?nm, respectively. Also, the mean diameters of Ni grains and TiN nanoparticles were approximately 46.7?nm and 23.2?nm, respectively. The XRD analysis indicated that the XRD patterns of the films prepared with different plating parameters had the same diffraction angle with the Ni phase except the diffraction intensity. Microhardness tests exhibited that the Ni film displayed the minimum microhardness value of 38.6 HV. Moreover, the Ni-TiN film obtained at the ultrasonic intensity of 30?W/cm² acquired the maximum microhardness value of 912.1 HV. The wear behavior assessment demonstrated that the Ni-TiN film prefabricated at the ultrasonic intensity of 30?W/cm² sustained the least weight loss, while the mean friction coefficient was approximately 0.39, thereby displaying the best wear resistance.     

Microstructure and tribological properties of microwave-sintered Ti0.8Ni–0.3Mo/TiB composites

In this study, the Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo/XTiB (X = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) composites were prepared using the microwave-sintering assisted powder metallurgy technique, and tribological properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the microscope capable of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), were used to characterize the mixed powder. The density and microhardness of the Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo/TiB composites were examined. The Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo/TiB composites exhibited a hardness of 260 HV, which is a 20% improvement over Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo. Tribological properties were studied by conducting experiments using a pin-on-disc wear tester at varying loads, sliding distances, and speeds. The Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo/TiB composites exhibited a reduction in wear loss and coefficient of friction values owing to TiB hardness and good bonding with the matrix. The tribological properties of the Ti–0.8Ni–0.3Mo/TiB composites were enhanced by the addition of TiB particles, which resist wear and friction.     

Jet pulse electrodeposition and characterization of Ni–AlN nanocoatings in presence of ultrasound

In current study, Ni–AlN nanocoatings were successfully prepared by adopting the jet pulse electrodeposition (JPE) technique with ultrasound. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Vickers microhardness test, electrochemical workstation and friction wear tests were utilized to investigate the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion degree and wear resistance of the coatings. The results indicated that the Ni–AlN nanocoatings deposited by using ultrasound demonstrated the minimum and most compact surface structure compared to the other coatings. The thicknesses of Ni coating and Ni–AlN nanocoatings were approximately 56 µm. The average atomic percent of Al and Ni elements in the Ni–AlN nano-coating prepared by using ultrasound, were approximately 21.4 at% and 47.5 at%, respectively. The maximum kinetic energy of the jet plating solution was 916 m²/s² during JPE-deposited Ni-AlN nanocoatings including ultrasound. The average micro-hardness value of the nano-coating prepared by using ultrasound equaled 767.9 HV. The Ni–AlN nanocoatings prepared using ultrasound had the minimum E_corr and I_corr values of ? 0.167 V and 6.363 × 10^?6 mA/cm², respectively. In this case, the demonstrated corrosion resistance was the most efficient. The Ni–AlN nanocoatings prepared using ultrasound sustained the minimum friction coefficients and the average friction coefficient was approximately 0.52. In contrast, the JPE-deposited Ni coating presented the maximum friction coefficient, while the average friction coefficient was approximately 1.43.     

Nano TiC-Graphene-Cu composites fabrication by a modified ball-milling method followed by reactive sintering: Effects of reinforcements content on microstructure,consolidation, and mechanical properties

A two-step mechanical milling followed by a reactive sintering process was used to synthesize Nano TiC-Graphene-Cu composites from a mixture of Cu, Ti, and Graphene (GN) powders in four different compositions, and effects of reinforcements content on the microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The results showed that a part of GN reacted with Ti atoms in the matrix, leading to the successful formation of hybrid nanocomposites. Uniform distribution of in-situ TiC with nanometer size and unreacted GN in the nanostructured Cu (Ti) solid solution were obtained. Addition of high percentage of the reinforcements led to an increase in the porosity and microhardness, coarsening of TiC nanoparticles, and decreasing the grain size of the matrix after sintering. The simultaneous presence of GN and TiC nanoparticles in the Cu matrix improved the hardness and wear resistance and reduced the friction coefficient by self-lubricating behavior. The nanocomposite with the nominal composition of Ti-40 vol % TiC showed the highest wear resistance and the lowest friction coefficient.     

Effect of trimethylamine borane (TMAB) bath concentration on electrodeposited Ni–B/TiC nanocomposite coatings

In this study, stainless steel material was coated with Ni–B alloy-based, TiC particle reinforced composite film using electrochemical deposition method. The properties of the obtained Ni–B/TiC nanocomposite coatings were investigated in terms of the effect of trimethylamine borane (TMAB) bath concentration, which is a boron source. In addition, the data of pure Ni, Ni–B alloy and stainless steel are presented together for comparison. According to the cyclic voltammogram (CV) analysis, it is seen that TMAB contributes to increasing the deposition rate. In the crystal structure analysis, the effect of TMAB was weaker at low TiC bath concentrations, while the effect of TMAB was more dominant at high TiC bath contents. The crystal grain size values of nanocomposite coatings vary between 5.8 and 16.8 nm, and these values decrease up to 86% when compared to the crystal grain size of the pure Ni coating. Although the increase in TMAB initially causes an increase in the microhardness of nanocomposite coatings, when the TMAB value was further increased, it was observed that the microhardness decreased even more compared to the previous initial value. The highest hardness value was obtained in the sample produced at 5 g/l TiC and 6 g/l TMAB bath contents, and this value was 817 HV. Compared to this value, it was observed that the hardness of pure Ni was 65% lower. It was observed that TMAB did not have significant effect on the coating morphology, but the increase in TMAB caused an increase B content and a decrease in the TiC content in the nanocomposite coating. Furthermore, it was revealed that the increase in TMAB bath concentration caused an improvement on corrosion resistance. The corrosion current of the composite sample with 9 g/l TMAB concentration, which showed the best corrosion performance, decreased by 85% compared to pure nickel.     

Microstructure and properties of Cu-Ti alloy infiltrated chopped Cf reinforced ceramics composites

Novel friction composites (C/C-Cu₅Si-TiC) were prepared via reactive melt infiltration (RMI) of Cu-Ti alloy into porous C/C-SiC composites. The microstructure, physical properties and tribological behaviors of the novel material were studied. Results were compared to conventional C/C-SiC composites produced by liquid silicon infiltration(LSI). The resultant composite showed the microstructure composed of Cu₅Si matrix reinforced with TiC particles and intact C/C structures. Most importantly, the composite did not present traces of free Si. As a result, the C/C-Cu₅Si-TiC composite showed higher flexural strength, impact toughness and thermal diffusivity in comparison to C/C-SiC composites. Tribological properties were measured using 30CrSiMoVA as a counterpart. In general, the C/C-Cu₅Si-TiC composites showed lower coefficient of friction(COF), but higher wear resistance and frictional stability. The improved wear resistance of the C/C-Cu₅Si-TiC composites is credited to the formation of friction films from Cu₅Si matrix. Other deformation and wear mechanisms are also described considering the microstructural observations.     

Optimization of microstructure and properties of composite coatings by laser cladding on titanium alloy

Recently, the current technological progress in developing laser cladding technology has brought new approaches in surface modification of titanium alloys. Herein, composite coatings were fabricated by the laser cladding process on Ti811 alloys using a coaxial powder feeding method. A comprehensive study was performed on the laser energy density (L_ed) and CeO₂ content on the structure distribution, microhardness and tribological properties of the coatings. In addition, the growth mechanism of the TiC–TiB₂ structure was studied based on the Bramfitt two-dimensional lattice mismatch theory. The results indicated that the phase composition of the coating mainly contained TiC, TiB₂, Ti₂Ni, and α-Ti. The optimized coating contributed to uniform microstructure distribution and fine grain size when L_ed was 45 J/mm² and the CeO₂ content was 2 wt%, playing an important role in the best forming quality and properties. Besides, the high matching degree of an interface between TiC (111) and TiB₂ (0001) contributed to the TiC–TiB₂ composite structure, which positively influenced the grain size and distribution of TiC. The microhardness and wear resistance of the 2Ce coating was dramatically enhanced due to the fine grain strengthening and dispersion strengthening effects of CeO₂, contributing directly to generate a high average hardness of 811.67 HV_0.5 with a lower friction coefficient.     

Sol-enhanced electroplating of nanostructured Ni-TiO2 composite coatings—The effects of sol concentration on the mechanical and corrosion properties

Novel sol-enhanced Ni-TiO₂ nano-composite coatings were electroplated by adding a transparent TiO₂ sol into the traditional electroplating Ni solution. It was found that the structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the nano-composite coatings were largely determined by the sol concentration. The higher sol concentration in the plating electrolyte led to a higher content of TiO₂ nano-particles in the coating matrix. The coating prepared at the sol concentration of 12.5 mL/L had the best microhardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Adding excessive sol to the electrolyte changed the surface microstructure, caused cracking on the coating surface and deteriorated the properties. It was demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings is determined by two factors: surface microstructure and incorporation of TiO₂ nano-particles.     

Influence of Y2O3 on the microstructure and tribological properties of Ti-based wear-resistant laser-clad layers on TC4 alloy

Multi-track Ti-based wear-resistant composite coatings were fabricated on TC4 alloy surfaces using laser-clad TC4 + Ni45 + Co–WC mixed powders with different Y₂O₃ contents (0, 1, and 3 wt%). The microstructure, microhardness, and tribological properties of the coatings were characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, electron probe X-ray micro analyser, microhardness tester, and friction and wear testing apparatus. The results showed that the number of cracks on the coating surfaces gradually decreased with the addition of Y₂O₃ and that residual Co–WC powders existed in the coating subsurfaces. The phase composition of the coatings with different Y₂O₃ contents remained unchanged and was mainly composed of reinforcing phases of TiC, TiB₂, Ti₂Ni, and matrix α-Ti. With the addition of Y₂O₃, the coating microstructure was remarkably refined, the direction characteristic of the TiC dendrites obviously weakened, and the nucleation rate significantly increased. When the added Y₂O₃ was 3 wt%, a large amount of TiB₂–TiC-dependent growth composite phases precipitated in the coating. The two-dimensional lattice misfit between (0001)_TiB2 and (111)_TiC was 0.912%, which indicated that TiB₂ and TiC formed a coherent interface. When the amount of Y₂O₃ was increased, the microhardness of the coatings gradually decreased, and the wear volume of the coatings first increased and then decreased. Under the effect of the TiB₂–TiC composite phases, the wear resistance of the 3 wt% Y₂O₃ coating was optimal. The 3 wt% Y₂O₃ coating friction coefficient was the lowest, and the wear mechanism was abrasive wear.     

粉煤灰活性氩弧熔覆Al2O3-TiB2-TiC复合涂层组织和性能分析

以铁基合金粉末、Al、TiO2和B4 C粉末为涂覆材料,以高铝粉煤灰、SiO2、MgO、CaF2和CeO2为活性剂,采用活性氩弧熔覆技术在Q235钢表面原位合成Al2O3-TiB2-TiC颗粒增强铁基复合涂层.测试熔覆涂层的物相结构、金相组织、显微硬度和耐磨性能,并与未涂覆活性剂的常规熔覆涂层进行对比分析.结果表明,复合涂层由Al2O3、TiB2、TiC、FeSi2 Ti、FeB2和α-Fe相组成,其与基体界面无气孔、裂纹等缺陷,呈良好的冶金结合;复合涂层测试点的最高显微硬度为1283.4 HV0.2,其在室温干滑动磨损条件下耐磨性良好;粉煤灰复合活性剂的加入可以促进熔覆层与母材之间的良好熔合、增加涂层中新相种类和数目、提高氩弧熔覆效率,这对改善复合涂层的综合性能具有重要意义.     

纳米Nb粉对等离子弧喷焊铁基合金组织与耐磨性的影响

采用等离子弧喷焊技术在Q235表面制备未添加与分别添加1wt%, 3wt%和5wt%纳米Nb粉的铁基合金喷焊层。通过X射线衍射仪(XRD)、金相显微镜(OM)、扫描电镜(SEM)和能谱仪(EDS)对喷焊层的相组成、显微组织、微区成分及磨损形貌进行分析；利用维氏硬度仪和销盘磨损仪检测喷焊层截面硬度和表面耐磨性。结果表明，铁基喷焊层主要由α-Fe, γ-Fe和Cr7C3组成，添加纳米Nb粉后原位生成NbC相，且随Nb含量增至5wt%，出现了Cr23C6相。纳米Nb粉的加入使喷焊层组织中未转变的奥氏体增多，组织形貌由近等轴晶转变为树枝晶，并且添加5wt%纳米Nb粉的喷焊层组织发生明显细化。添加纳米Nb粉使喷焊层的硬度明显提高，其中添加1wt%和3wt%纳米Nb粉的喷焊层硬度均可达约766 HV0.3。纳米Nb粉的加入同时提高了喷焊层的耐磨性，磨损机制由黏着磨损变为磨粒磨损。     

Preparation and investigation of pulse co-deposited duplex nanoparticles reinforced Ni-Mo coatings under different electrodeposition parameters

In this work, Ni–Mo–SiC–TiN nanocomposite coatings were deposited on aluminium alloy by pulse electrodeposition with various electrodeposition parameters. The influences of the pulse frequency and duty cycle on the phase structure, morphology, mechanical and corrosion performance of the coatings were systematically investigated. The results showed that with increasing pulse frequency and decreasing duty cycle, the content of embedded duplex nanoparticles increased, and the grains refined gradually. The nanocomposite coating that was prepared at 20% duty cycle and 1000 Hz pulse frequency exhibited compact, uniform, and fine microstructures with the maximum incorporation of nanoparticles (6.81 wt% TiN and 1.72 wt% SiC). The wear rate and average friction coefficient then declined to 4.812 × 10^?4 mm³/N·m and 0.13, respectively, with a maximum microhardness of 519 HV. Simultaneously, the corrosion current density was reduced to 3.11 μA/cm², and a maximum impedance of 34888 Ω cm² was exhibited. The uniformly distributed duplex nanoparticles acted as a hindrance, which consequently supported the enhancement of corrosion and wear resistance. By investigating the variation of the pulse diffusion layer with electrical parameters, it was discovered that when the crystallite size is equivalent to or smaller than the diffusion layer thickness, it would be easier to cross the diffusion layer to incorporate in the coating. Additionally, the effects of various duty cycles and pulse frequencies on the nucleation process of the grains were discussed.     

铁-镍-钨合金电镀在缸套上的应用

以45钢缸套内孔表面为基体,电沉积得到Fe-Ni-W合金镀层.采用目视评价、显微硬度计.中性盐雾试验,盐水浸泡试验及干性条件的摩擦磨损试验等方法,研究了Fe-Ni-W合金镀层的外观、显微硬度、耐蚀性、耐磨性等性能.结果表明,Fe-Ni W合金镀层光亮、细致,镀层在最佳温度500～650℃下热处理2h后硬度最高可达130...     

Effect of Ti content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of laser clad Ti/B4C/dr40-based composite coatings on shaft parts surface

As a transmission part, the service life of the shaft parts directly affects the machining efficiency and economic benefit, and requires higher surface hardness and wear resistance. In this study, the Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite powder was cladded on the shaft part surface via laser cladding to improve the microhardness and wear resistance. The microstructure evolution and phase structure were analyzed to reveal the strengthening mechanism of Ti and B₄C on dr40 coating. The Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite coating with low defects and good interface metallurgical bonding quality between coating and substrate was prepared on the 45# steel shaft part. The results show that the main phase in the Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite coating is TiC, TiB₂, Cr₂C₃, (Ti, Cr) C, (Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni) (C, B). With the addition content of Ti increasing, the grain densifies, the sieve-reticular structure and small strip phase at grain boundary and intergranular area change as massive phase. Moreover, the microhardness improves up to 2.05 times than that of dr40 coating. The in-situ synthesis of carbides and borides are evenly distributed in the coating, which improves the deformation resistance of the coating. In addition, the precipitation and solid solution strengthening caused by reinforcement phase also enhanced matrix strength for supporting reinforcement phases, improving the coating wear resistance.     

Tribological behaviors of hot-pressed Al2O3/TiC ceramic composites with the additions of CaF2 solid lubricants

Al₂O₃/TiC ceramic composites with the additions of CaF₂ solid lubricants were produced by hot pressing. The effect of the solid lubricant on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the ceramic composite has been studied. The friction coefficient and wear rates were measured using the ring-block method, and the tribological behaviors were discussed in relation to its mechanical properties and microstructure. Results showed that additions of CaF₂ solid lubricants to Al₂O₃/TiC matrix led to a decrease in the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and hardness compared to a conventional Al₂O₃/TiC composite. The friction coefficient of Al₂O₃/TiC/CaF₂ ceramic composites when sliding against both cemented carbide and hardened steel decreased with an increase in CaF₂ content up to 15 vol.%. The reason is that the CaF₂ released and smeared on the wear surface, and acted as solid lubricant film between the sliding couple. When the content of CaF₂ solid lubricant is less than 10 vol.%, the wear rate of Al₂O₃/TiC/CaF₂ composites decreases with an increase in CaF₂ content, with further increases in CaF₂ content, the wear rate of Al₂O₃/TiC/CaF₂ composites increases rapidly. This is due to the large degradation of mechanical properties in samples with high CaF₂ contents.     

Effect of SiC particle size on structures and properties of Ni–SiC nanocomposites deposited by magnetic pulse electrodeposition technology

In this paper, Ni–SiC nanocomposites were deposited on Q235 steel substrates by magnetic pulse electrodeposition (MPED) technique. Microstructures, compositions and microhardness values of obtained composites were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and triboindenter in-situ nanomechanical testing. Results showed S-30 nanocomposites with fine, compact and uniform structures consisting of fine nickel grains (average size: 381.7 nm) and SiC nanoparticles (average size: 34.2 nm). For SiC particle size of 30 nm, diffraction peaks of Ni and SiC appeared wide with low intensity, indicating S-30 nanocomposites with small sized Ni grains and SiC nanoparticles. Largest TiN content reaching 10.59 wt% was embedded in S-30 nanocomposites prepared at SiC particle size of 30 nm. Final depths of S-30 and S-200 composites were estimated to 15.1 μm and 24.8 μm, respectively. Wear and corrosion properties of Ni–SiC nanocomposites were then investigated. After corrosion testing for 24 h, the weight losses of S-200, S-80 and S-30 composites were recorded as 1.67, 1.44 and 0.95 mg, respectively. Under the same wear experimental conditions, S-200 composite presented the highest mass loss while S-80 composites displayed the lowest mass loss. By comparison, wear mass loss of S-30 nanocomposites was only 37.1 mg.     

TiO2–ZnO/Ni–5wt.%Al composite coatings on GH4169 superalloys by atmospheric plasma spray techniques and theirs elevated-temperature tribological behavior

Ni–based composite coatings with different amounts of TiO₂–ZnO were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) to protect GH4169 superalloy substrates against excess wear and friction at elevated temperatures. In addition, the influence of the simultaneous addition of the oxides on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear behaviour was investigated. According to the results, the simultaneous addition of TiO₂/ZnO provides anti-friction and wear inhibition over 600 °C. In particular at 800 °C, the TiO₂–ZnO/Ni–5wt.%Al composite coating (10 wt% TiO₂ and 10 wt% ZnO were incorporated within Ni–5wt.%Al matrix) exhibits a superior lubricity and wear resistance compared to the Ni–5wt.%Al based coatings. The XRD, Raman, and TEM characterisations reveal the formation of a glaze oxide layer consisting of NiO, TiO₂, ZnO and the in-situ production of ternary oxide (Zn₂TiO₄), which was primarily responsible for the tribological performance of the sliding wear contacts at the specific temperature.     

Microstructure and wear properties of SiC woodceramics reinforced high-chromium cast iron

Wood ceramization is a promising preparation technology. Ceramics made from natural wood can retain the original structural characteristics and unique microstructure of the wood, and also offer acceptable mechanical properties and wear resistance. In this study, the ceramization process of natural poplar wood is optimized. Three-dimensional silicon carbide prepared by ceramization of wood is used to strengthen high-chromium cast iron, and three-dimensional silicon carbide reinforced high-chromium cast iron (3D-SiC/HCCI) composite materials are obtained. The results demonstrate that the treated wood retained acceptable network structure and uniform pore size after ceramization. Based on the size, the pores can be classified into smaller pores (approximately 8 μm), medium-sized pores (20–40 μm), and larger pores (100–300 μm). The 3D-SiC/HCCI composites, obtained by casting and infiltrating these pore channels, show continuous network-like interpenetrating structures in space. The wear resistance of the 3D-SiC/HCCI composite materials was investigated and compared with high-chromium cast iron. The results indicate that under the same friction condition, the wear resistance of the composites is significantly improved, and the abrasion loss is reduced from 3.8% to 0.32%. The three-dimensional silicon carbide in the composites produces a shadow effect during friction, which can provide acceptable support and protection for the high-chromium cast iron matrix.