Structure and Properties of Ni-B/Graphene Oxide Composite Coatings Produced by Chemical Reduction Method

Grzegorz Cieślak,Maria Trzaska

doi:10.1007/s11665-020-04726-9

Grzegorz Cieślak, Maria Trzaska

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-020-04726-9

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Abstract

A nickel-boron (Ni-B)/graphene composite coatings were produced using chemical reduction method on a steel substrate. These composites were compared to Ni-B coatings without graphene embedded into the matrix. Graphene in the form of an aqueous suspension of graphene oxide flakes was used. Graphene was characterized by single-layered flakes about 0.5 µm in size. The coatings produced were characterized by an amorphous structure. The incorporation of graphene into the Ni-B matrix affects the surface topography and morphology of the coatings produced. The addition of graphene strengthened the coating material. An increase in the hardness (~ 1100 HK0.025) was noted for Ni-B/graphene composite coatings compared to the hardness (~ 950 HK0.025) of the Ni-B coatings without a built-in dispersion phase. Composite coatings also exhibited a better corrosion resistance than the coatings without embedded graphene.

Highlights

In recent years, nickel alloy coatings deposited by chemical reduction methods have been gaining an increasing interest
scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the used graphene flakes have various shapes and dimensions with a size range of 0.3 to 0.7 lm
The Raman spectra show peaks which represent D (1350 cmÀ1) and G (1585 cmÀ1) which are typical for graphene oxide

Summary

Introduction

Nickel alloy coatings deposited by chemical reduction methods have been gaining an increasing interest. Due to their relatively simple manufacturing methods and the possibility of covering elements with complicated shapes and favorable properties, e.g., high hardness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance, have become important in many industries as surface layers improving the performance of the final products (Ref 1-6). The electroless deposition of nickel alloys is used to cover the particles of various materials with a thin metallic layer, such as graphene (Ref 7), carbon nanotubes (Ref 8, 9), SiO2 (Ref 10), TiH2 (Ref 11), and SiC (Ref 12). The material properties of such coatings can be further improved by incorporating other particles into the alloy matrix, e.g, SiC (Ref 18), Al2O3 (Ref 19), TiO2 (Ref 20), or Si3N4 (Ref 21).

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