Synthesis and passivation behavior of electroless Ni–P‐CNT composite coating

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high chemical stability, unique hollow nanotube structure, and are believed to be ideal materials for fabricating composites. In this study, Ni–P and Ni–P‐CNT composite coatings were fabricated by electroless plating. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the coatings. The corrosion behavior of Ni–P and Ni–P‐CNT coated samples were evaluated by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3.5 wt% NaCl and 0.1 M H₂SO₄ aqueous solutions at room temperature. The results indicated that incorporation of CNTs in the coating significantly increased corrosion resistance. The role of CNTs in improvement of corrosion resistance of the coating was also discussed.