Synthesis of spheres-like Ni/graphene nanocomposite as an efficient anti-corrosive coating; effect of graphene content on its morphology and mechanical properties

Abstract

To seek of the superior corrosion protection and tremendous mechanical properties of metallic materials is still prominently needed. The electrochemical co-deposition is one of the most applied techniques to prepare the corrosion resistance coatings on to the mild steel including carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene reinforced nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. Nickel-graphene metal matrix nanocomposite coatings have been produced by electrochemical co-deposition method from a Watt's electrolyte. The effect of graphene concentration in electrolyte on the morphology, microstructure mechanical properties and corrosion resistance performance of nanocomposite coatings have been studied. Ni/graphene nanocomposite coating exhibits the spheres like morphology with enhanced micro hardness, reduced grain size and superior corrosion resistance, owing to the inherit tremendous mechanical properties and 2D nanosize of graphene nanosheets. Thickness of the composite coatings are significantly increased with the addition of graphene nanosheets. Furthermore, the change in morphology, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties by varying the graphene content are also thoroughly evaluated.