Electrodeposition of Zn–Ni Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites and Their Properties

Abstract

The Zn–Ni composite coatings on mild steel substrate were prepared by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) through electrodeposition. The reinforcement of MWCNTs was increased by achieving high dispersion in the plating electrolyte. Surfactants cetyltriammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and Triton X 100 were made use. The individual CNTs are active in the UV–vis region, and UV–vis spectroscopy was utilized to evaluate the extent of dispersion. Dynamic light scattering technique (DLS) was applied to calculate particle size distribution statistics with different surfactants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were utilized to study the deposits’ morphology, structure, and composition, respectively. The coated specimens were tested for their corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl through polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies. Surfactants deagglomerated the particles and enhanced t...