Study on Cu-Al2O3 metal-matrix composite coating prepared by Laser-assisted electrodeposition

Abstract

• Laser breakdown in solution caused micro-area agitation and current rising. • Laser irradiation effectively reduced the particle aggregation. • The increasing laser energy led to smoother coating with fewer defects. • Higher hardness and better corrosion resistance were obtained because of laser. This study introduces laser irradiation into the electrodeposition of Cu-Al 2 O 3 composite coatings. The cavitation bubble generated by laser breakdown in the solution caused strong shockwaves and micro-area agitation that reduced the agglomeration of Al 2 O 3 particles. The shockwave signal was then detected using a hydrophone. Laser irradiation also increased the electrodeposition current due to agitation and temperature rising. The samples prepared by laser assisted electrodeposition with different laser energies were studied. The surface and cross-section morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy and the content of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles was measured using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the microhardness and corrosion resistance were also studied. The results showed a composite coating with a smoother surface and fewer defects compared to samples prepared by traditional electrodeposition. The content of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles was increased owning to laser irradiation. Finally, the increase in laser energy, enhanced the microhardness and corrosion resistance of the composite coating.