Structural, mechanical, and tribological studies of Ni-B-TiN composite coating: effect of SDS concentration

Abstract

In industrial applications, it has been desired to be durable and used for a long time in harsh working conditions. As an alternative study, the effects of surfactants on TiN particle distribution, particle content in the coating, microstructure, surface morphology, hardness, and wear resistance were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface and cross-section images of Ni-B-TiN composite coatings. The SDS concentration in the electrolyte affects the TiN particle distribution, resulting in a uniformly distributed surface morphology of the composite coating. The crystal properties of the elements in the composite coating were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surfactant directed the Ni crystal in the (111) plane, affecting the preferred direction of the grains. The distribution of TiN particles in the Ni-B alloy matrix with Zeta potential was investigated. The mechanical properties of composite coatings were evaluated over average values by performing tests from different zones under a max. 50 mN load using the Nanoindentation technique. The tribological behavior of Ni-B-TiN composite coatings sliding towards Al2O3 balls (Ø 6 mm) was investigated with a CSM tribometer device void of lubrication at room temperature. In this study, the usability of SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)-anionic surfactant for Ni-B-TiN metal matrix composites deposited on mild steel substrates by the electrodeposition method has been explained.