Effect of concentration of TiC on the properties of pulse electrodeposited Ni–P–TiC nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

Ni–P/TiC nanocomposite coatings, including different concentrations of TiC nanoparticles (TCNPs) were developed on HSLA (high strength low alloy steel) substrates through the pulse electrodeposition (PED) process. The prepared coatings' structural, compositional, mechanical, wear, and electrochemical properties were accomplished, applying numerous characterizing techniques. The surface morphologies show the coatings are uniform, and compact, which appears flawless. An increase in the mechanical response of Ni–P/TiC is noticed with an increasing amount of TCNPs into the Ni–P matrix, attaining its highest values (720 Hv microhardness, 22.22 GPa modulus, 7.26 kN/m stiffness), and the lowest wear rate (ws) of 0.87 μ gm/Nm) for Ni–P/0.75TiC composition. The improvement in mechanical behavior can be attributed to grain refinement and dispersion hardening effect. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic plots reveal a substantial increment in Ni–P coatings' corrosion resistance by successively incorporating TCNPs. As a comparison, Ni–P/0.75TiC coatings demonstrate the highest corrosion protection requirement efficiency (PE) of 94% in saline water. The promising performance of Ni–P/0.75TiC coating can be credited to forming a compact structure containing inactive TCNPs in the Ni–P matrix.