Effect of current density and deposition time on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Ni-W/TiN nanocomposite coating

Ni-W/TiN nanocomposite coatings were successfully prepared via pulse electroplating from an electrolyte containing suspended TiN nanoparticles. The effects of applied current density and deposition time on microstructure, morphology, composition, hardness and electrochemical behaviors of the obtained coatings were investigated. Results showed that the current density and deposition time affect remarkably the electrochemical co-deposition process and then the structure and characteristics of the composites. It illustrated that the nanocomposites are uniform, compact and crack-free. The nanocomposites prepared at I_a =?3?A?dm^?2 and t?=?20?min had the finest structure, showing a fine and smooth surface. EDS mapping and XPS spectra illustrated that the TiN nanoparticles had been homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating. 2.34?wt% TiN nanoparticles were embedded in Ni–W (68.56?wt% Ni and 29.1?wt%?W) alloy matrix at I_a=?3.0?A?dm^?2. The inclusion of TiN nanoparticles in Ni–W could promote the nucleation and cause a distinct microstructural change. The crystallite size was in the range of 11–15?nm. The average roughness value (R_a) is 65.7?nm and 73.8?nm for coating formed at 20?min and 40?min, respectively. The electrochemical measurements illustrated that I_a =?3–5?A?dm^?2 and t?=?40–60?min was the optimal operating parameters for the excellent anti-corrosion properties of Ni–W/TiN nanocomposites. The embedded TiN in Ni–W matrix could fill defects then improve its corrosion resistance. This electrodeposited Ni–W/TiN nanocomposites possess excellent hardness and superior corrosion resistance, and is expected to be applied in aggressive environment as a protective coating.     

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.     

Fabrication of Ni-W-B4C composite coatings and evaluation of its micro-hardness and corrosion resistance properties

Boron carbide (B₄C) particles were embedded in nickel-tungsten (Ni-W) coatings by pulse current electrodeposition technique. Physical properties of the composite coatings were studied by XRD, SEM, EDS and Vickers micro-hardness instrument. Corrosion protection of the deposited films was investigated utilizing potentiodynamic polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Results exhibited that the addition of B₄C nanoparticles into the Ni-W alloy can significantly improve the surface morphology and the micro-hardness of the composite coatings. The corrosion resistance of Ni-W-B₄C nanocomposite is much better than Ni-W alloy deposit, especially when the concentration of B₄C nanoparticles is 2?g/L in plating bath, the obtained Ni-W-B₄C composite coating has the best surface morphology, the highest micro-hardness and the excellent corrosion resistance.     

Synthesis and evaluation of TaC nanocrystalline coating with excellent wear resistance,corrosion resistance,and biocompatibility

To improve the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of implanted titanium alloys, a TaC nanocrystalline coating was deposited on Ti–6Al–4V alloy using a double-cathode glow discharge method. The microstructure of the newly developed coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The coating exhibits a dense and uniform structure, composed of equiaxed TaC grains with an average grain size of 15.2 nm. The mechanical properties of the TaC-coated Ti–6Al–4V alloy were evaluated by a scratch tester, a nanoindentation tester, and a ball-on-disc tribometer. The average hardness of the TaC nanocrystalline coating is about 6 times higher than that of uncoated Ti–6Al–4V alloy and the specific wear rate of the coating is two orders of magnitude lower than that for Ti–6Al–4V at applied normal loads of 4.9 N under dry sliding condition. The electrochemical behavior of the TaC nanocrystalline coating after soaking in Ringer's solution for different periods was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility of the coating was assessed using MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cells. The results showed that the TaC coating exhibits better corrosion resistance and biocompatibility as compared to uncoated Ti–6Al–4V alloy.     

Mechanical,biocorrosion, and antibacterial properties of nanocrystalline TiN coating for orthopedic applications

The current study analyzes the surface, mechanical, biocorrosion, and antibacterial performances of a nanocrystalline TiN ceramic coating synthesized using cathodic arc-physical vapor deposition (PVD) on biomedical Ti6Al4V substrates. The surface hardness and modulus of elasticity were assessed using the microindentation method. The adhesion, friction coefficient, and antibacterial properties of the coating were evaluated. The in vitro corrosion of the prepared coated Ti alloy substrate was analyzed in simulated body fluid (SBF) via cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP), dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS), and scanning vibrating electrochemical technique (SVET). The results demonstrated that a nanocrystalline TiN coating with a crystallite size of 10.33 nm and a thickness of 5 μm was formed with good adhesion on the alloy surface. The coating had an enhanced surface hardness of 38.63 GPa and a modulus elasticity of 358 GPa, and exhibited enhanced resistance to plastic deformation compared with the substrate – features that can enhance the service life of an implant. The antibacterial experiments indicated an upgraded antibacterial performance of the TiN coating compared to the bare alloy. The in vitro corrosion-resistance analyses confirmed the enhanced surface protective performance of TiN ceramic coatings against biocorrosion in SBF. The results showed higher impedance values in DEIS, a higher passive region in the CPP analysis, and a lower anodic current density in the SVET analysis compared with the bare substrate.     

代铬镀层--Ni-W、Ni-W-B非晶态合金镀层性能研究

通过在浓硝酸、ω=5％NaCl溶液c=1mol/L H2SO4溶液中的浸渍试验,研究了不同基体上的Ni-W非晶态合金镀层的耐蚀性;通过测定在ω=5％ NaCl溶液及c=1mol／1．的HNO3溶液、H2SO4溶液、HCl溶液中的阳极极化曲线,研究了Ni-W非晶态合金镀层薄膜本身的耐蚀性;采用线性极化方法对Ni—W—B非晶态合金镀层在u=5％ Na—Cl溶液、c=1mol／L H2SO4溶液及HNO3溶液中的腐蚀速度进行了测定,并测定了以上2种非晶态合金镀层的硬度与耐磨性.结果表明．非晶态的Ni—W、Ni-W-B镀层比晶态镀层的耐腐蚀性能要好．而Ni—W—B非晶态合金镀层比Ni—W非晶态合金镀层的耐蚀性能又明显提高;经热处理后,Ni—W—B非晶态镀层的硬度值明显高于Ni—W非晶态镀层,耐磨性能都提高了1倍以上Ni—W、Ni—W—B非晶态镀层极有望成为一种比较好的代铬镀层。     

The effect of pulse-reverse electroplating bath temperature on the wear/corrosion response of Ni-Co/tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating during layer deposition

In this article, the effect of bath temperature during layer deposition on the electrochemical/abrasion responses of Ni-Co/tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating has been investigated. The Ni-Co/tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating was obtained using simultaneous deposition of tungsten carbide nanoparticles in three Ni-Co bath temperatures of 20, 40, and 60?°C. Afterwards, in order to characterize the obtained coatings, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), MAP analysis, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods in 3.5?wt% NaCl, and also abrasion test using a pin on disc method were carried out. The results of this study revealed that the deposition obtained from Ni-Co bath contains tungsten carbide nanoparticles and results in strong (200) and hard (111) textures in the coating at different temperatures. Also increasing the bath temperature from 20 to 40?°C results in the absorption of cobalt and tungsten carbide nanoparticles, as well as reducing the nickel content and corrosion resistance in the coating, and on one hand it increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. However, a bath-temperature increase from 40 to 60?°C results in reducing the absorption of cobalt and tungsten carbide nanoparticles, and increasing the nickel content and corrosion resistance in the coating as well as reducing the abrasion resistance of the coating.     

盐酸介质中镍基合金镀层的电化学腐蚀行为

在含有硫酸镍、钨酸钠和柠檬酸三铵的电解液中获得镍一钨合金电沉积层。在分别含有二甲基胺硼烷和二氧化锆粒子的上述电解液中,电沉积获得Ni—W—B合金和Ni—w—(ZrO2)复合镀层。采用电化学实验方法研究所获得的Ni—W、Ni—W—B和Ni—W—(ZrO2)镀层在盐酸介质中的腐蚀行为,结果表明：所获得的镀层均有较好的耐蚀性;Ni—W和Ni—W—B镀层比Ni—W—(ZrO2)镀层有较好的抗腐蚀能力。     

脉冲电沉积工艺参数对Ni-W-P合金镀层性能的影响

针对传统镀硬铬沉积速率低、污染环境等问题,采用脉冲电沉积方法在碳钢表面制备Ni-W-P代铬镀层。采用显微硬度计、扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射仪和电化学工作站研究了脉冲频率、平均电流密度和占空比对镀层性能的影响。结果表明:随着脉冲频率、平均电流密度和占空比的增加,镀层的硬度和耐蚀性均呈现出先增大后减小的变化规律;当脉冲频率为250Hz,平均电流密度为4.0A/dm2,占空比为30%时,镀层为非晶态结构,表面光滑、平整,结构致密,硬度可达5 140MPa,耐蚀性较好。     

The influence of pulse plating parameters on microstructure and properties of Ni-W-Si3N4 nanocomposite coatings

Nanosized silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) particles reinforced Nickel-tungsten composite coatings were deposited on the surface of C45 steel sheet by pulse electrodeposition. The effect of duty cycle, frequency, current pattern and presence of Si₃N₄ nanoparticles on microstructure, phases and corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated. The Si₃N₄ phase was incorporated into Ni-W alloy matrix uniformly and the inclusion content of in the coating was analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). The structure, microhardness and surface roughness of the coatings was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers micro-indenter and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corrosion protection of steel by the coatings was evaluated by weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Corrosion rates of the coatings were determined using the Tafel polarization test. The results indicated that the duty cycle of 60%, pulse frequency of 1000 Hz, average current density of 5 A/dm⁻², and Si₃N₄ nanoparticles concentration of 30 g/L were the optimal plating conditions. The amount of Si₃N₄ particles incorporated into the coating that were produced under the optimum plating conditions was 2.1 wt%, and the microhardness was 1031 Hv as well as the crystallite size of this coating was 27 nm.     

脉冲电镀镍及其性能的研究

采用瓦特镀镍液,研究了脉冲占空比、平均电流密度、温度对电沉积速率,镀层光亮度和镀层在w=3.5%的NaCl溶液中耐蚀性的影响.用扫描电镜研究了直流和脉冲镍镀层的表面形貌.结果表明:电沉积速率随脉冲占空比、平均电流密度及温度的增大而加快;镀层耐蚀性,光亮度随脉冲占空比增大而变差,随温度、平均电流密度的增大先变好后变差.较佳脉冲电镀条件为:平均电流密度0.75 A/dm~2,脉冲占空比5%,温度45～50 ℃,pH 2.5～3.0.X射线衍射分析结果表明,与直流镀镍相比,脉冲镍镀层在(111)晶面存在择优取向,镀层更致密,性能更好.     

‎Deposition of Ni-tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating by TIG ‎welding: Characterization and control of microstructure and wear/corrosion responses‎

In this study, the effect of the amount of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on the wear and corrosion properties of Ni-tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating which is deposited on steel St37 by Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding was evaluated. For this purpose, surface alloying was firstly conducted on St37 steel by using TIG process with a current of 150 Amps using pure nickel powder and tungsten carbide reinforcement nanoparticles (in 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%). Then, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), optical microscope, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), microhardness test by Vickers method, abrasion test by sweep method, and electrochemical tests (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were used in order to characterize the microstructure and tribological properties of the deposited layers. Microstructural observations showed that the deposited Ni-tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating have a dendritic microstructure with a uniform distribution of tungsten carbide nanoparticles, which reduced the dendritic size by increasing the amount of tungsten carbide nanoparticles. The results of this study showed that by increasing the amount of tungsten carbide nanoparticles in the Ni- tungsten carbide nanocomposite coating, the hardness (from the coating surface to the interface of coating/substrate) and wear resistance increased sharply, but the corrosion resistance decreased. Also, the evaluation of the wear mechanism showed that by increasing the amount of tungsten carbide nanoparticles in Ni-tungsten carbide nanocomposite coatings, the wear mechanism in this coating changed from complex abrasive-sheet like to complex adhesive-oxidation.     

化学镀(Ni-P)-WC纳米微粒复合镀层的研究

采用化学镀的方法制备(Ni-P)-WC纳米微粒复合镀层,研究了镀液中WC纳米微粒的添加量对镀层中微粒含量的影响,通过扫描电镜观察了(Ni-P)-WC纳米微粒复合镀层的表面形貌。研究发现,纳米微粒镀层的硬度随着镀层中WC纳米微粒含量的增加而提高。通过测量(Ni-P)-WC纳米微粒复合镀层在NaCl溶液中的开路电位曲线和电化学阻抗谱,发现其耐蚀性能要优于合金镀层。     

Effect of BEO in the electrodeposition process of Ni/diamond composite coatings for preparation of ultra-thin dicing blades: Experiments and theoretical calculations

Ni/diamond dicing blades is the main tool for scribe of silicon wafer at present. In order to decrease the width of dicing slot on the wafer, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of blades, and to increase the hardness, toughness and wear resistance of the Ni/diamond composite coatings in the process of electrodeposition. In this paper, 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-butyne (BEO) was used as an organic additive in the composite baths containing nickel amino-sulfonate, nickel chloride, boric acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and diamond particles in sizes of 3–5?µm, in order to improve the properties of Ni/diamond coatings and produce ultra-thin Ni/diamond dicing blades. The textures of Ni/diamond composite coatings were mainly Ni (200) and Diamond (111) since the addition of BEO in the baths inhibited the growth of Ni (111) and Ni (220). Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that BEO could adsorb at the nickel surface strongly and inhibit the electrodeposition of nickel atoms. With the increase in concentration of BEO in the baths, the cathodic polarization potentials shifted to more negative direction and the thicknesses of the coatings decreased. Adding the appropriate amount of BEO (0.1–0.2?g/L) in the baths, the roughness of the coating decreased the number of individual diamond particles in the coating increased, and the hardness and the wear resistance of the coating was improved. When the thickness of Ni/diamond composite coating on aluminum alloy wheeled substrate was 15?µm, the width of its dicing slot was 22?µm. However, the addition of BEO in the bath cannot change the adhesive wear mechanism of the coating.     

双向脉冲电沉积纳米晶光亮镍镀层

采用双向脉冲电沉积法,以糖精和1,4-丁炔二醇作为光亮剂,在钢片上获得了光亮的纳米晶镍镀层.通过正交试验确定最佳的脉冲参教为:正向占空比50%,正向脉冲电流密度30A/dm2,正向周期10ms,反向占空比30%,反向脉冲电流密度8A/dm2.纳米晶光亮镍镀层晶粒细致均匀,孔隙率低,平整性好,无裂纹,具有良好的装饰效果.     

Al2O3/Si3N4 nanocomposite coating on aluminum alloy by the anodizing route: Fabrication,characterization, mechanical properties and electrochemical behavior

An Al₂O₃/Si₃N₄ nanocomposite coating was successfully fabricated on commercial aluminum alloy. Hardness measurements, polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to study the mechanical and corrosion behaviors of the coatings. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to characterize the surface morphology and phase composition of the coatings. Also, coatings abrasive wear properties were evaluated with a modified ASTM G105 standard. FE-SEM image, EDS and XRD analysis revealed the presence of Si₃N₄ in the coating. Furthermore, the results showed hardness of the coatings to increase from 380±50 HV for the anodized layer to 712±36 HV for the composite coatings that were formed in an electrolyte containing 6 gr/lit Si₃N₄ nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements indicated that corrosion resistance of the nanocomposite coating significantly increased compared to the anodized coating. In addition, the effect of Si₃N₄ nanoparticles into the nanocomposite coatings on abrasive wear mechanism and mass loss rate of the coatings was investigated.     

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.     

铝锂合金表面化学镀镍工艺及膜层耐腐蚀性能研究

为解决铝锂合金强烈电腐蚀倾向和对断裂及应变速率的敏感性,提出了在其表面进行化学镀镍处理的工艺方法。通过正交试验研究了基础化学镀镍液的主要成分对镀层性能的影响,利用扫描电子显微镜、INCA型能谱仪以及显微硬度计等分析了化学镀镍层的表面形貌、组成成分、镀层硬度等特性。研究结果表明,铝锂合金表面进行化学镀镍的可行性工艺为:15 g/L硫酸镍、25 g/L次磷酸钠、30 g/L醋酸钠、20 g/L乳酸、5 g/L硼酸、0.5~1.0 mL/L稳定剂,1.0~2.0 mL/L光亮剂,θ为85℃,施镀时间t为60 min。该工艺能在铝锂合金表面获得结合力良好、耐蚀性较好的化学镀镍层,镀镍层表面晶粒均匀细致,与基体结合力达1级,可耐中性盐雾试验时间48 h以上。     

Wear and corrosion properties of electroless nickel composite coatings with PTFE and/or MoS2 particles

This study focuses on the effect of co-deposition of PTFE and/or MoS₂ particles on the morphology, wear, and corrosion properties of electroless nickel coating. The composite coating of EN–PTFE–MoS₂ was heat treated at different temperatures for hardness investigations. The surface morphology of coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Pin-on-disk and potentiodynamic polarization tests were used to study the tribological and corrosion properties of the coatings, respectively. Results of hardness analysis revealed that the hardness of electroless nickel coatings was increased by the heat treatment, and its maximum was gained at 400°C. Wear investigations showed that simultaneous co-deposition of the PTFE and MoS₂ particles into the nickel coating increased the wear resistance of the coating by about 30% and reduced the average value of friction coefficient to 0.25 from 0.65. Corrosion studies illustrated that simultaneous co-deposition of the PTFE and MoS₂ particles led to reduction in corrosion resistance by 10 and 5 times that of EN coating in brine and acidic solution, respectively.