Cu–TiO2 nanocomposite coatings prepared from sol-enhanced electrodeposition

Abstract

A series of [Formula: see text]-modified Cu coatings were developed via a sol-enhanced electrodeposition process. The effect of [Formula: see text] sol on the properties of fabricated [Formula: see text] nanocomposites is studied. Phase composition and microstructures of [Formula: see text] deposits were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties of the fabricated [Formula: see text] coatings were also examined. The proper addition of [Formula: see text] sol gives rise to refined coating surface with well-distributed [Formula: see text] nanoparticles, leading to significantly enhanced properties. The microhardness and wear resistance of the [Formula: see text] nanocomposite coating (12 mL/L [Formula: see text] sol) upsurges owing to the strengthening effect of highly dispersed [Formula: see text] nanoparticles. We also suggest that the excessive addition of [Formula: see text] sol should be avoided as it will result in an inferior coating quality with a loose structure for the prepared [Formula: see text] deposits.