Behaviour of Ni and Ni oxide thin films obtained by different techniques for the prevention of corrosion in sour media

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of nickel and nickel oxide thin films as anticorrosive protection for low‐carbon steel when expose to sour media. The purpose of this paper is also the study of a superior oxide nickel thin film over the nickel thin film.Design/methodology/approach – Nickel thin films are applied on steel AISI 1018 (UNS G 10180) by magnetron sputtering and electrolytic techniques. The films are tested after deposition on low‐carbon steel. A massive nickel electrode also is evaluated as a reference. In order to evaluate the protective properties of films in sour media, electrochemical techniques are employed, but also scanning electron microscopy in order to identify the difference in porosity and surface of the films coated by both techniques.Findings – Micrographs of thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering reveal a homogeneous surface whereas the electrolytic films show many micro‐crevices and expose the substrate even on the oxide films. These results indic...