Investigating the mechanical and electrochemical performance of Ni-P-TiC nanocomposite coatings through electrodeposition technique.

Abstract

Nickel phosphorus-based coatings are considered to be an excellent option for mitigating corrosion faced by many industries. Further enhancement in the properties of Ni-P coatings are achieved by introducing property specific reinforcement in the Ni-P matrix. In this study, structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of Ni-P-TiC composite coatings prepared through electrodeposition techniques were investigated. Titanium particles ranging from 0 to 2 g/L were electrodeposited into Ni-P matrix and examined through state-of-the-art techniques. Prepared coatings have uniform thickness, and nodular-structure structures with no discernible defects. Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation findings indicate a clear association between hardness and TiC particle concentration, with the ultimate hardness of 593HV100 (at 1.5 g/L) . Adding more TiC particles to the mix induces a decrease in hardness since they accumulate in the Ni-P matrix. Corrosion resistance is increased by an increasing amount of TiC particles with best corrosion results for an additional 2.0 g/L of TiC which can be elucidated to reduction in active area by the presence of TiC particles. Ni-P-TiC composite coatings show various beneficial structural, mechanical, and corrosion resistance characteristics, indicating that they can be used in numerous industrial applications.