Structure and Properties of Composite Nickel Coatings Deposited by Means of Programmable Pulsed Current under Laser Irradiation

Abstract

A method for the formation of composite electrolytic coatings in the process of electrodeposition in an electrolyte with ultradisperse diamond (UDD) particles in the programmable pulsed current regime under simultaneous laser irradiation has been developed. This method provides the layer-by-layer deposition of gradient nickel coatings 15–20 µm in thickness with a variable content of UDD particles along their depth. The amount of UDD particles is minimal (0.10–0.13 at %) in the layers deposited in the initial period of this process, whereas the concentration of UDD particles in the layers formed at the later process stages grows to 0.19–0.26 at %. The concentration gradient of UDD particles along the depth improves the adhesion properties and wear resistance of coatings and provides a 16% decrease in the consumption of UDD particles with a local increase in the concentration of UDD particles in a coating to 0.32 at %.