Preparation and characterization of Cu-Zro2 nanocomposite by DC method

Abstract

Cu-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings prepared by electrodeposition method. In bath solution containing different amount of ZrO2 were studied. The structure, surface morphology, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of nanocomposite are characterized by varies techniques. Cu-ZrO2 composite coatings have higher micro hardness, compared to pure copper coating. Surface morphology of both Cu and Cu–ZrO2 composite coatings were examined through Scanning electron microscopy. The results show that more number of zirconia particles incorporated into copper matrix and then smooth surface, finer grain sized. The incorporation of ZrO2 particles reduces the particle size. It shows the closer particle-particle contact leads to pore free deposition. The X-ray diffraction was conformed the crystallite size and structure of the electrodeposited Cu and Cu–ZrO2 composite coatings. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer equation was ~105 nm for copper and ~67 nm for Cu-ZrO2 composites. The structure of electrodeposited Cu and Cu–ZrO2 composite coatings were crystalline orthorhombic which was confirmed from the JCPDS standard. The corrosion resistance behavior of Cu–ZrO2 composite is examined through Tafel polarization and impedance measurement studies in 3.5% NaCl. The result shows that the Cu–ZrO2 composite coatings have more corrosion resistance than pure Cu coating.