Surface modification of mild steel by electroless Ni-P-SiC nanocomposite coating and its corrosion and tribological resistance

Abstract

The synthesized silicon carbide nano particles (2.5 gpl, range 40 to 70 nm) are dispersed randomly into electroless Ni-P matrix for Ni-P-SiC nanocomposite platings on an AISI1040 grade steel substrate (MS). The plating duration is set for one and half hour and thickness of deposits is found in the range of 12 to 18 micrometer. The scanning electron microscope attached in combination of energy dispersive spectroscopy furthermore X-ray diffraction techniques were exploited to analyze surface morphology, elemental composition and phase structure of the platings respectively. The results of these studies reveal successful fusion of SiC nanoparticles as white globules into the electroless Ni-P matrix and with those as-deposited platings have amorphous structure and heated platings (200°C and 400°C) changes from amorphous to crystalline structure. Further Ni-P/Ni-P-SiC platings are investigated for wear, corrosion and microhardness resistance by respective techniques. The results of these studies corroborate that inclusion of SiC nano particles into electroless Ni-P plating upto a great extent influence the microhardness, wear resistance moreover corrosion resistance in standard sodium chloride (3.5 %) solution. The phase transformation initiation of amorphous nickel is headed toward nickel phosphide and crystalline nickel completely at 400°C which uphold further improved wear, microhardness and corrosion resistance of nanocomposite Ni-P-SiC electroless platings.