Chromium Deposition Research Articles

An environment-friendly chromium electrodeposition process using additive-laden deep eutectic solvent

The development of safer and more sustainable electrochemical processes has been one of the promising applications of deep eutectic solvents. In this study, a trivalent chromium-ethaline deep eutectic solvent electrolyte with the incorporation of significant plating additives such as water, boric acid, and lithium chloride was developed for chromium electroplating application. The effect of the selected plating additives on the morphology of the chromium deposits was mainly investigated. The effects on the properties of the plating solution were characterized by their viscosity, conductivity, and electrochemical behaviour via the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique. The standard hull cell electroplating method was employed to obtain the effective plating current density range for chromium electroplating. A two-electrode cell composed of a brass cathode and SS304 anode with a DC power supply was used to deposit chromium from the prepared electrolytes at 40 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and hardness measurement were performed on the obtained chromium deposits. The addition of water obtained the best result in terms of the improvement of the bath’s properties. This resulted in the formation of large grain structures, which were identified to be Cr, Cr2O3 and Cr3C2. With the addition of boric acid and LiCl, grain refinement and levelling characteristics were mainly observed. Nanocrystalline chromium was produced from these additives; however, relatively low hardness was achieved. Overall, the study confirms the improvements in chromium deposition using a safer and more sustainable trivalent Cr(III)-ethaline deep eutectic solvent.

Dissolved organic matter regulates aggregation and deposition of chromium (hydr)oxide colloids: molecular-scale investigation using ESI-FT-ICR-MS

Soil dissolved organic matter (SDOM) forms the corona and affects the colloidal mobility of Cr (hydr)oxides.

ELECTRON-ION-PLASMA SYNTHESIS OF MULTILAYER CR-B FILMS

The paper analyzes the Cr-B film structure formed via argon plasma-assisted deposition on pretreated 12Cr18Ni10Ti stainless steel using the COMPLEX electron-ion-plasma setup (IHCE SB RAS, Russia, Tomsk). The analysis shows that after simultaneous deposition of chromium and boron, the Cr-B film represents a multilayer structure consisting of alternating amorphous boron and nanocrystalline chromium boride layers. At a total film thickness of 1 μm, the thickness of its amorphous and nanocrystalline layers measures 2.0-7.0 and 2.0-2.5 nm, respectively. The steel layer adjacent to the film contains Fe<sub>2</sub>B nanoparticles. Their presence in the steel is due to its preliminary electron beam irradiation and boriding. The micro-hardness of the Cr-B film is 29.0 GPa (standard deviation 4.1 GPa), and its Young's modulus is 200 GPa.

Selective Absorbing Surface Based on CrO3: Evaluation of Substrates Treatment Influence on the Films Optical Properties

Solar energy presents the greatest potential by which to produce heat energy with reduced carbon emissions for power generation. To increase its harvesting and conversion, it is necessary to understand fundamental concepts and develop new materials. Although many processes can obtain selective absorbing surfaces (SAS) for application in solar energy exploitation, including electroplating methods, those processes have not sufficiently investigated the substrate’s treatment impact. The present work investigates 304 stainless steel (SS304) substrates treatment influence on the film’s (coatings) optical properties of SAS based on CrO3 electroplating. For this purpose, three main steps featured in the methodology: substrates treatment, coatings deposition, and physical-chemical characterization. The former was performed by detergent cleaning (DC), acid treatment (AT), and electropolishing (EP). Then, coatings were electroplated towards chromium deposition on the substrates with different deposition times. Finally, films were characterized by Profilometry, UV-Vis-NIR, and IR regions Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that, in terms of surface treatments on the substrate, the electropolished (EP) substrates presented average roughness values of 35 nm, reflectivity of 5.09%, and clear morphological difference (SEM) when compared to other treatments in this study (DC and AT). A SAS was successfully obtained, and the electropolished substrates (EP) presented coatings with better optical performance than other samples (DC and AT), with absorptivity values around 98% and emissivity of approximately 7%. A relationship between substrate treatment, its roughness, and the impacts on the optical selectivity of SASs was observed. Therefore, electropolishing is presented as a promising treatment for the SASs substrates.

Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in Reducing the Corrosion Rate in Cr-MWCNTs Composite Coatings

Carbon steel was coated with Cr-multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) coatings via electrodeposition. In this article, the impact of a combination of MWCNTs into the chromium coating on the morphology of the coating surface and corrosion characteristics was inspected. The MWCNTs seem to be evenly distributed across the chromium layer, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical measurements were used to conduct corrosion tests on samples of MWCNTs– chromium composite coated and pure chromium coated samples in aqueous NaCl (3.5 wt.%). The outcomes demonstrated a considerable increase in the resistance of corrosion due to the inclusion of MWCNTs during the chromium deposition procedure. In addition, the mechanism of anti-corrosion of the composite coating is also presented. Using an electrolyte bath containing various concentrations of dispersed MWCNTs (0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/L), crack-free and compact coating of Cr-MWCNT composite were electrodeposited on the substrates of the mild steel. The potentiodynamic polarization technique was used to examine the coatings corrosion performance subjected to a 3.5 weight percent of NaCl medium. When compared to chromium coating, the Cr-MWCNT composite coating showed the lowest corrosion rate (1.045x108 mpy) compared to chromium coating (4.891x108 mpy).

Chemical Risk Assessment in a Selected Romanian Stainless Steel Processing Company

Abstract The production and use of chemicals are continuously increasing worldwide. For example, the global output of chemicals increased approximately 12 times between 1970 and 2020. The burden of disease attributable to exposure to chemicals is significant. World Health Organization estimates that globally, about 5 million deaths and 90 million disability - adjusted life years are attributable to occupational, environmental exposure and management. Public authorities and employers need access to reliable information on chemicals and practical, widely-accepted risk assessment methods in order to effectively control and minimize this threat. To support the management of chemical substances in small and mediumsized enterprises, the UK Health and Safety Executive developed the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Essentials (COSHH Essentials), a control banding technique that determines the management method by assigning the qualitative work environment characteristics of the enterprises to a hazard and exposure prediction band. Qualitative tools were used for assessing the risk of these chemicals, creating solutions, and implementing control measures in various industrial fields. The present paper synthesizes the results of an extensive research study, dedicated to the evaluation of chemical risks within a Romanian company which has as object of activity the mechanical processing of steel laminates and their treatment by methods of electrochemical deposition of hard chromium / electrochemical nickel plating. The application of the simplified health, safety and environmental risk assessment methodology developed by the French National Security Research Institute (INRS) was considered to be the most appropriate in the preliminary phase of identifying and prioritizing the risks associated with chemicals used in technological processes in selected company. Based on the obtained results, the prevention and protection plan regarding the chemical risks was elaborated, the implementation of which led to the reduction of the workers’ exposure and to the minimization of the probability and severity of the potential consequences.

(Digital Presentation) Fundamental Insights into Electrodeposition of Mixed Chromium Metal-Carbide-Oxides from Trivalent Chromium – Formate Electrolytes

Recent restrictions on industrial usage of hexavalent chromium under new REACH legislation have further sparked the development of hexavalent chromium-free chromium plating processes. An industrially important development in this field is Trivalent Chromium Coating Technology (TCCT®), a chromium electroplating technology for packaging steel developed at Tata Steel. In this process, aqueous trivalent chromium electrolytes rather than hexavalent chromium electrolytes are employed for the electrodeposition of metallic chromium. However, to deposit metallic chromium from a trivalent chromium electrolyte, it is necessary to incorporate a complexing agent given the kinetic inertness of aqueous trivalent chromium complexes. Formate plays this role in the TCCT® process yielding coatings comparable to the conventional hexavalent chromium-based process [1-4].However, understanding the mechanism and kinetics of chromium electrodeposition from this system is quite limited. Fundamental knowledge of the deposition process is key for industrial process optimization. Essential to determining the reaction mechanism and kinetics is the identification of the chemical species involved in the reaction. Using a hybrid multiscale experimental and computational approach, insights into chromium complexation in the bulk electrolytes and how this speciation influences the composition of the deposit have been gained.Samples electroplated in electrolytes of varied formate concentrations were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results from these analyses show that metallic chromium is only deposited when the electrolyte contains formate ions. In the absence of formate, only oxide and carbide species are deposited. The characterization results also show a current efficiency of the TCCT process of ~ 40%. From observations from surface characterization as well as spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics studies (AIMD) of the bulk electrolyte, the coordination and complexation of formate ion in the chromium complex responsible for metallic chromium deposition have also been identified. Voltammetric studies coupled with ex-situ XPS and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) surface characterization also lead to a clear definition of the reaction mechanism of metallic chromium deposition that the incorporation of formate in trivalent chromium electrolytes makes possible.

Electrode processes in a deep eutectic solvent containing dissolved chromium(III) chloride

We considered the kinetics of electrochemical processes occurring during electrodeposition of coatings from a low-temperature ionic liquid based on a eutectic mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol, in which a trivalent chromium salt is dissolved. Irreversible current waves of Cr(III) ions discharge on a glassy carbon electrode in the electrolytes of studied compositions are not described by the "classical" equations of linear and cyclic voltammetry, which is due to both the presence of the migration component of the current and the cathodic passivation of the electrode. It has been established that the introduction of additional water into the electrolyte leads to an increase in the current density of the wave of irreversible discharge of Cr(III) ions on the glassy carbon electrode, which is caused by a significant decrease in the viscosity of the solution. The current efficiency of the chromium deposition reaction decreases when water is introduced into the ionic liquid. The X-ray amorphous coatings electrodeposited from the electrolyte under study, along with chromium, contain carbon and oxygen, the inclusion of which is due to the electrocatalytic properties of the freshly deposited chromium surface.

On-Demand Metallization System Using Micro-Plasma Bubbles.

3D wiring technology is required for the integration of micro–nano devices on various 3D surfaces. However, current wiring technologies cannot be adapted to a variety of materials and surfaces. Here, we propose a new metal deposition method using only a micro-plasma bubble injector and a metal ion solution. Micro-plasma bubbles were generated on demand using pulses, and the localized reaction field enables metal deposition independent of the substrate. Three different modes of micro-plasma bubble generation were created depending on the power supply conditions and mode suitable for metal deposition. Furthermore, using a mode in which one bubble was generated for all pulses among the three modes, copper deposition on dry/wet materials, such as chicken tissue and glass substrates, was achieved. In addition, metal deposition of copper, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and zinc was achieved by simply changing the metal ion solution. Finally, patterning on glass and epoxy resin was performed. Notably, the proposed metal deposition method is conductivity independent. The proposed method is a starting point for 3D wiring of wet materials, which is difficult with existing technologies. Our complete system makes it possible to directly attach sensors and actuators to living organisms and robots, for example, and contribute to soft robotics and biomimetics.

Chemical vapor deposition from metal (Cr, Mo, W) carbonyls in a conical spouted bed vacuum reactor with a downflow reactant feeding

A vacuum set-up with a conical spouted bed reactor for LPCVD of coatings onto powders, where a volatile solid substance is used as a CVD precursor (reactant), is developed. Structurally, the reactor is a cone with a vertical axis, fluidizing gas is supplied through the bottom branch, and reactant vapor is supplied from the evaporator through a thermostated nozzle into the top of the spouted particle bed (substrate powder). Examples given include the deposition of chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten coatings from carbonyls Cr(CO)6, Mo(CO)6, and W(CO)6 onto diamond powders with grain sizes from 150 to 500 μm, when coatings up to 1 μm thick were obtained at the reactor efficiency (the degree of the reactant conversion to the coating) within 42–77 %. In addition to the set-up design and process parameters, the saturated vapor pressure of carbonyls, chemical reactions during the deposition from carbonyls, and fluidized bed hydrodynamics are discussed.

Fabrication of macrocrack-free thick chromium duplex plating for remanufacturing applications

The remanufacturing process of a hydraulic cylinder rod becomes a challenging prospect in the industrial sector producing heavy equipment. That is because remanufactured components can have the same product quality as new components with a more economical price. Hard chromium electrodeposition is a well-known technique to provide a protective coating for the cylinder rod so that it has favorable wear and corrosion resistance properties. Associated with remanufacturing applications, the used chromium plating covering the cylinder rod should be removed first before applying the new chromium one. Whereas the removal process often slightly consumes the base metal and fresh thicker chromium should be deposited in order to preserve its original diameter. The main problem is that the thick chromium may experience macrocrack after the baking process at 200 °C. Hence, the observation of as-plated and as-baked thick and hard chromium deposit properties is the novelty of this research. In this work, the thick and hard chromium plating over a flat carbon steel substrate was produced by the electrodeposition method. A conventional single-layer chromium deposit with a plating current density greater than 40 A/dm2 shows macrocracks after the baking process at 200 °C for an hour. For the chromium duplex plating composed of two Cr layers, the maximum thickness of the deposit was 261.0±8.5 microns, and the macrocrack was observed. Meanwhile, the as-baked duplex chromium plating composed of a polished Cr-C layer and a Cr layer has a microcrack density of 337±8 cracks/cm and hardness of 924.8±22.2 HV0.3 without macrocracks. EPMA characterization confirmed the presence of a carbon element in the Cr-C layer, and it is presumed due to carbon co-deposition from formic acid additives.

Морфология и текстурно-структурные особенности хромититовых залежей Главного рудного поля Кемпирсайского массива (Южный Урал, Казахстан)

In the paper data of morphology, textural and structural features of chromitites from deposits of south-east part of Kempirsay massif (South Urals, Kazakhstan)are summarized. It is showed that formation of unique chromium deposits is closely related with formation processes of wall dunite-harzburgite association and that chromitite localization occur abidingly in olivine monomineralic rock – dunite. Superimposed low-T processes altered primary mineralogical composition of wall peridotites completely but these affected weakly their structure on the micro and macro scale. Mesh serpentine replaced olivine and pyroxene grains but pseudomorphosis of both are survive. Addition, significant displacements of mineral aggregates in the massive peridotite blocks are not observed and it allow to study textural and structural characteristic of chromitites and primary wall ultramafic rocks. We have found some major features of building of ore-bearing associations as follow: (i) increasing chromite grain size according to increasing concentration of chromite, (ii) widespread of deformational structures – ore folding and boudinage, extrusion of solid dunite into massive chromitite, break of ore veinlets. We have performed retrospective analysis of papers about Kempirsay chromitite which in present day are not available for wide readers. Based on this analysis and our observations, we propose a modified dynamic model of chromitite formation as result rheomorphic differentiation of upper mantle matter during its upwelling from deep zone of rift structure with later transformation in the upper mantle of fore-arc setting.

CORROSION DAMAGE IN THE CASSAVA JUICE MEDIUM ON HEAT TREATED MILD STEEL AND CHROMIUM-PLATED MILD STEEL

Plain carbon steel is the cheapest and most readily available metal in Nigeria for agri-tech processing equipment. It is used for its low cost and ease of access. They are, however, vulnerable to corrosion due to their use in a corrosive medium, such as fluid extracted from cassava tubers. The corrosion resistance of heat-treated mild steel and Chromium-plated mild steels used as tools in the cassava processing environment was investigated in this study. The untimely failure of this material while in service is caused by malignant ions found in food and raw farm products, which attack the steel components, causing gradual failure of the processing machinery. According to the findings of this study, annealed mild steel materials, whether coated or uncoated, are preferred. The study results revealed that the control annealed mild steel sample has the lowest corrosion rate of 0.027 mm/yr, while the corrosion rates of the heat-treated hardened, normalized, and tempered samples increase by 0.054, 0.067, and 0.10 mm/yr, respectively. The effect of coating time on the amount of chromium deposition was reflected in chromium-plated heat-treated samples that were heat-treated for 10 to 20 minutes at 5 minutes intervals. The corrosion rate was lowest in annealed chromium-plated samples, with an average grain size of 118.46 um and a corrosion rate of 0.04 mm/yr. According to the findings of this study, annealed mild steel materials, whether coated or uncoated, are preferable for use in the cassava processing operation.

Mechanical Behaviour of Hard Chromium Deposited from a Trivalent Chromium Bath

In view of new environmental directives, hexavalent chromium baths can no longer be used to electroplate thick hard chromium deposits. To meet these industrial and environmental challenges, deposits are developed from trivalent chromium electrolytes. Cr(III) coatings are usually studied from the point of view of the use properties and hardness, but their intrinsic properties remain widely unknown. The novelty of this work consists in the mechanical characterisation of these coatings. Properties such as hardness, stiffness, yield strength, and toughness of trivalent chromium deposits are determined by combining instrumented hardness tests, in situ FEG–SEM observations, and finite element simulations. These are explained according to the microstructure of the deposits, which is determined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Their composition was characterised by glow discharge spectrometry. The structure characterisation deposits showed a more severely fractured coating of trivalent chromium than in the case of hexavalent chromium. Non-post-treated trivalent chromium deposits have a higher hardness (13 ± 1.7 GPa) and yield strength (5 GPa) than hexavalent chromium deposits. However, their stiffness (191 ± 13 GPa) and toughness (1.37 ± 0.13 MPa√m) are lower. Its mechanical behaviour is elastofragile. These differences in mechanical properties can be explained by the amorphous structure of the deposits and their high carbon content.

Establishing trace element concentrations for lichens and bryophytes in the ring of fire region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Ontario, Canada.

Peatlands dominate the landscape of the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Ontario, Canada. Recently, mineral deposits of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were discovered in the region and anticipated future industrial mining operations have the potential to impact the environment. Lichens and bryophytes are considered excellent biomonitors and indicators of deposition, deriving their nutrients directly from the atmosphere. Trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes have not been reported in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Here, we seek to determine the baseline trace element concentrations of six non-vascular species (Evernia mesomorpha, Bryoria spp., Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia stygia, Sphagnum fuscum, and Sphagnum capillifolium) common to the region, explore linear relationships of trace elements with iron (Fe) as a signature of particulates with geogenic origin, and calculate trace element enrichment factors. Thalli, foliage, and peat (0-30cm) were collected from 55 locations between 2013 and 2018 and analyzed for trace elements. Thalli and foliar concentrations are among the lowest reported in the broader literature and differ substantially from peat. Fe concentrations were significantly correlated (Pearson's r ≥ 0.8) with aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and vanadium (V) in all six species. Enrichment factors show some anthropogenic deposition effects non-vascular organism chemistry. Most trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes are indicative of long-range atmospheric transport of dust, but some is attributed to industry, with only minimal inclusions from the local area. Epiphytic lichens are well suited for ongoing atmospheric biomonitoring as industrialization commences.

Enhanced performance of electrodeposited Ni-SiC plating as an alternative to electroplated chromium deposits: the effect of pulse duty cycle

Ni-SiC composite coating was prepared by the electrodeposition under the pulse current as an alternative for the environment polluted and human cancerogenic hard chromium plating. The microstructure and tribological performance of the composite coating under different duty cycles were studied. The results showed that the mechanical performance of the Ni-SiC can be optimized by adjusting the pulse duty cycle. With the increase of the duty cycle, the grain size of the Ni matrix are refined and the friction coefficient of the coating are decreasing. Composite coating obtained with 80% duty cycle possesses the lowest wear volume during the friction and wear test. The effect of the duty cycle on the microstructure and tribological performance of the composite coating were discussed. Moreover, the co-deposition mechanism of Ni atoms and the SiC particles under the pulse current were discussed.

A Comparative Research on Corrosion Behavior of Electroplated and Magnetron Sputtered Chromium Coatings

Chromium deposits rank among the most widespread metal coatings for functional and decorative purposes. However, electrodeposition from Cr(VI) aqueous solution, which is the industrial process currently used to achieve thin chromium deposits, presents several environmental issues, urging the development of alternative solutions. In this study, which aims to compare the functional and aesthetical properties of decorative coatings, 800 nm thick chromium layers were deposited directly onto copper substrates by means of magnetron sputtering (MS) and direct current electrodeposition (ED). The obtained coatings were characterized regarding their thickness, morphology, color index, chemical composition, and corrosion resistance viewpoints. With respect to the electroplated samples, which constitute the benchmark, the magnetron sputtered ones appeared to be darker but showed a pleasing reflective appearance and superior thickness homogeneity, as well as the absence of voids and macrocracks, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation. Regarding the anticorrosion performances of the chromium layers, electrochemical and standard salt spray test (NSS test) were carried out at room temperature in 3.5% NaCl solution, and evidenced similar, if not better, results for the magnetron sputtered coatings. On the whole, the data displayed here demonstrates the suitability of magnetron sputtering technology for use as an industrially feasible finishing technology for both aesthetic and mild-condition anticorrosion purposes.

Study of complex processing of 10-160 mm grade chromium tailings by encapsulation in GreenCrete™ composite sulfur concrete

In recent years, methods of utilization of lumpy mineral raw materials of chromium production by encapsulation with modified sulfur from substandard grades of oil to obtain sulfur concrete have become increasingly popular. A significant amount of lumpy waste with a low content of Cr2O3 (~ 5-7% w/w) is formed when Kazakhstani chrome raw materials are processed by gravitation methods, and they can only be used as backfill in mine construction or as a component in building and road-building mixtures. Wastes from chromium deposits in Kazakhstan are located in close proximity to oil deposits in the Aktobe region, which are characterized by a high content of sulfur-containing heavy oils, which can be jointly disposed of in the form of sulfur concrete. Composite material - sulfur concrete is produced based on sulfur polymer binder - GreenCrete™ modified sulfur under GOST R 56249-2014. The possibilities of the sulfur-concrete composite formation process for the use of beneficiation tails of 10-160 mm class chromium raw material as inert materials have been studied. The characteristics of the samples obtained during the tests allow us to draw conclusions about the relatively successful encapsulation of chromium production waste in an amount of 15% by weight of the sample with the formation of sulfur concrete of the M400 class, while with a 10% content of materials for enrichment of chromium raw materials, the M500 indicator was achieved.

Oxidation properties and microstructure of a chromium coating on zircaloy-4 fuel cladding material applied by atmospheric plasma spraying

To achieve a full protective coat on welding joints at both ends of zircaloy cladding tubes, we studied the rapid deposition of a thick chromium coating on zircaloy-4 cladding tubes by atmospheric plasma spraying. Microstructure, mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation tests of chromium coatings were also studied. The initial screening oxidation test of the specimen was carried out at 1100 °C, 1200 °C and 1300 °C in dry air, and the oxidation properties of the specimen were explained. The nanohardness and modulus of the sprayed chromium coating were higher than those of the zircaloy-4 substrate. The nitride phase of Cr2N was formed after the high-temperature oxidation test. After oxidation at 1300 °C, there were multilayer structures: surface Cr2O3, residual Cr coating, thin (Zr,Cr)O2 layer, Cr-Zr layer and zircaloy substrate. There were bubble folds on the surface of the chromium coating and voids in the Cr2O3 layer. The oxidation test showed that the chromium coating can effectively slow the severe oxidation of zircaloy-4 cladding tubes. In summary, an APS-thick chromium coating has the potential to improve the oxidation resistance of zircaloy-4 cladding tubes in light water reactors.

Functional composite electrochemical coating Ni-Co-Al2O3 -an alternative to chromium plating

The physico-mechanical properties of composite electrochemical coatings (CEC) nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide were investigated depending on the electrolyte parameters and electrolysis conditions. The previously developed low-concentration chloride electrolyte for nickel plating was used as an electrolyte to replace environmentally hazardous chromium plating electrolytes containing hexavalent chromium, which is prohibited by the laws of many countries. The wear resistance of the obtained CEC was determined on a three-ball friction machine. This made it possible to establish that the wear resistance of the CEC exceeds the wear of chrome coatings in dry friction mode by 2-2,5 times and is comparable to chromium in the friction mode with lubrication. In the dry friction mode, the higher wear resistance of the nickel-cobalt-alumina coating is explained only by the higher hardness of the latter. Probably, upon destruction of the coating, the particles of the alloying addition act as a solid lubricant, which causes an increase in the resistance of the CEC during wear. The microhardness of the CEC was determined using a PMT-3 microhardness tester and amounted to 6-25 GPa. The microhardness value was influenced by the concentration and properties of the dispersed phase, as well as the electrolysis conditions - the temperature and pH of the electrolyte, and the cathode current density. “Corrodcote” test was used in the study of corrosion. According to its data, the corrosion resistance of CEC is 2-3 times higher than the corrosion resistance of chromium deposits. The results obtained make it possible to recommend the developed functional CEC of nickel-cobalt-alumina instead of chromium coatings as corrosion- and wear-resistant.