Codeposition of Nano-Sized Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Particles in the Nickel Matrix Composite Coatings Obtained by Pulse Current Electroplating

Abstract

Nano-sized Y2O3 particles were codeposited with nickel by pulse current electroplating from a nickel sulfate bath. The effects of Y2O3 concentration in the plating bath on the deposition behaviors and mechanical properties of Ni-Y2O3 composite coatings were studied. The incorporated Y2O3 increases from 2.6 wt.% to 6.0 wt.% with the increasing of Y2O3 concentration in the plating bath from 20 to 80 g/l. The current efficiency decreases from 81.3% to 45.4% with the Y2O3 concentration increasing from 20 to 80 g/l. SEM images demonstrate that smooth and compact surface can be obtained by the addition of Y2O3. The present study also shows that the codeposited Y2O3 particles in deposits decrease the friction coefficient and reduce the wear weight loss. Ni-Y2O3 composite coating reaches its highest microhardness and best wear resistance at Y2O3 content 6.0 wt.%.