Differences In Microstructure Research Articles

Significance of Tool Coating Properties and Compacted Graphite Iron Microstructure for Tool Selection in Extreme Machining

This study aims to determine the extent to which coating composition and workpiece properties impact machinability and tool selection when turning Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) under extreme roughing conditions. Two CGI workpieces, differing in pearlite content and graphite nodularity, were machined at a cutting speed of 180 m/min, feed rate of 0.18 mm/rev, and depth of cut of 3 mm. To assess the impact of tool properties across a wide range of commercially available tools, four diverse multilayered cemented carbide tools were evaluated: Tool A and Tool B with a thin AlTiSiN PVD coating, Tool C with a thick Al2O3-TiCN CVD coating, and Tool D with a thin Al2O3-TiC PVD coating. The machinability of CGI and wear mechanisms were analyzed using pre-cutting characterization, in-process optical microscopy, and post-test SEM analysis. The results revealed that CGI microstructural variations only affected tool life for Tool A, with a 110% increase in tool life between machining CGI Grade B and Grade A, but that the effects were negligible for all other tools. Tool C had a 250% and 70% longer tool life compared to the next best performance (Tool A) for CGI Grade A and CGI Grade B, respectively. With its thick CVD-coating, Tool C consistently outperformed the others due to its superior protection of the flank face and cutting edge under high-stress conditions. The cutting-induced stresses played a more significant role in the tool wear process than minor differences in workpiece microstructure or tool properties, and a thick CVD coating was most effective in addressing the tool wear effects for the extreme roughing conditions. However, differences in tool life for Tool A showed that tool behavior cannot be predicted based on a single system parameter, even for extreme conditions. Instead, tool properties, workpiece properties, cutting conditions, and their interactions should be considered collectively to evaluate the extent that an individual parameter impacts machinability. This research demonstrates that a comprehensive approach such as this can allow for more effective tool selection and thus lead to significant cost savings and more efficient manufacturing operations.

Repeated high-dose esketamine in early postnatal rats leads to behavioural deficits with long-term modifications in white matter microstructural integrity

Esketamine is commonly used for sedation or general anaesthesia in infants and young children. However, repeated esketamine administration during periods of rapid brain growth and development may result in various pathophysiological and cognitive changes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of recurrent esketamine exposure on long-term behavioural and white matter consequences. Seven-day-old (P7) male rats were allocated to control, high-, and low-dose groups. Behavioural paradigm assessment was conducted at P25–29. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed long-term effects on water diffusivity in the splenium and cingulum white matter of the corpus callosum at P30. Subsequent two-dimensional structure-tensor analysis of brain tissue sections stained with Luxol fast blue (LFB) showed marked changes in the white matter microstructure in rats after multiple exposures to varying esketamine doses. High-dose esketamine significantly reduced activity time and total distance in the open-field experiment. High-dose esketamine exposure might lead to impaired short-term memory in rats. Additionally, the high-dose group showed prolonged immobility time during the forced swimming test. On the balance beam, the high-dose group displayed more right turns and right-foot slips and lower time spent on the rotating bar, indicating motor defects, than did the other groups. Diffusion tensor imaging demonstrated a decreased water molecule diffusion ability in the corpus callosum in the high-dose group. LFB staining indicated microstructural differences in the white matter of animals in the high-dose group. These findings suggest that behavioural deficits in high-dose esketamine-treated rats are at least partially attributed to changes in the white matter microstructure.

In Situ and Ex situ Characterization of Microstructure Evolution of a γ-γ’ Coating on CMSX-4 Plus Superalloy During Thermal Cycling: Insights into Pt Diffusion and Phase Transformations

The microstructure evolution of a Pt-rich γ-γ’ coating deposited on a third generation CMSX-4 Plus nickel-based superalloy was investigated during relatively short thermal cycles (from 300 °C to 1100 °C with a dwell time of 5minutes at 1100 °C) using both ex situ and in situ characterization techniques. Ex situ analyses, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and postmortem X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), demonstrated that Pt and Al interdiffusion induced by thermal cycling leads to significant microstructure changes in the coating. Lattice parameters of γ and γ’ phases were revealed to correlate with Pt content. In a novel approach, in situ XRD using laboratory equipment was employed to monitor microstructural evolution during 250 thermal cycles. This unique in situ analysis highlighted the microstructural differences at low and high temperatures within each cycle. For the first time, it was observed that partial dissolution of γ’ precipitates occurs at high temperatures, altering the local chemical composition of both γ and γ’ phases.

Effect of Cold Deformation on the Microstructural and Property Uniformity of Al2O3/Cu Composites.

Copper matrix composites (Cu-MCs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional electrical, wear-resistant, and mechanical properties. Among them, Al2O3/Cu composites, reinforced with Al2O3, are a focal point in the field of high-strength, high-conductivity copper alloys, owing to their high strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and superior resistance to high-temperature softening. Cold deformation is an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of Al2O3/Cu composites. However, during cold deformation of large-cross-sectional Al2O3/Cu composites, the inhomogeneity in microstructure and properties induced by varying stress states cannot be overlooked. In this study, cold deformation of 1.12 wt% Al2O3/Cu large-cross-sectional composites was performed using a rolling process, coupled with finite element numerical simulations, to investigate the distribution characteristics of microstructure and properties during the rolling process. The results indicate that under cold deformation, the hardness of the material increases linearly from the surface layer to the core, while the change in electrical conductivity is minimal. The increase in hardness is closely related to variations in dislocation density and grain size, with dislocation density being the dominant strengthening mechanism. Quantitative analysis reveals that strain inhomogeneity during cold deformation is the primary cause of microstructural differences, leading to variations in mechanical properties at different positions. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the inhomogeneity of cold deformation in large-sized Al2O3/Cu composites and for controlling their microstructure-property relationships.

Sex and APOE ε4 allele differences in longitudinal white matter microstructure in multiple cohorts of aging and Alzheimer's disease.

The effects of sex and apolipoprotein E (APOE)-Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors-on white matter microstructure are not well characterized. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data from nine well-established longitudinal cohorts of aging were free water (FW)-corrected and harmonized. This dataset included 4741 participants (age=73.06±9.75) with 9671 imaging sessions over time. FW and FW-corrected fractional anisotropy (FAFWcorr) were used to assess differences in white matter microstructure by sex and APOE ε4 carrier status. Sex differences in FAFWcorr in projection tracts and APOE ε4 differences in FW limbic and occipital transcallosal tracts were most pronounced. There are prominent differences in white matter microstructure by sex and APOE ε4 carrier status. This work adds to our understanding of disparities in AD. Additional work to understand the etiology of these differences is warranted. Sex and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status relate to white matter microstructural integrity. Females generally have lower free water-corrected fractional anisotropy compared to males. APOE ε4 carriers tended to have higher free water than non-carriers.

Microstructural Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Microcellulose from Bamboo (Bambusa longispatha) for Reinforcing Ordinary Portland Cement Matrix.

This study investigates the microstructural characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and microcellulose (MC) extracted from bamboo fibers (Bambusa longispatha) and their potential as reinforcement agents in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composites. CNC with a mean particle size of 29.3 nm and MC with a mean size of 14.6 × 103 nm were incorporated into OPC at varying concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by cement mass). The compressive strength analysis revealed that increasing MC content led to a decrease in strength, with reductions ranging from 8.8% to 25.9% relative to the control OPC, while the CNC-enhanced composite at 0.4% achieved the highest compressive strength of 43.2 MPa. Flexural strength analysis indicated a minor increase in strength with MC addition (from 7.5 MPa to 8.1 MPa), while CNC addition at 0.1% improved flexural strength to 8.2 MPa but declined with higher concentrations. SEM and stereo microscopy demonstrated MC and CNC dispersion and highlighted microstructural differences, including pore distribution in the composites. XRD analysis showed increased crystallinity for CNC composites compared to pure OPC, with the highest crystallinity index of 52.2% observed at 0.4% CNC. This study highlights that CNC at specific concentrations can enhance OPC mechanical properties, while higher MC and CNC additions may impact strength properties variably due to their microstructural integration and crystallinity. These findings support the potential for bamboo-derived cellulose materials in enhancing cementitious composite performance.

Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Spray-Formed and Vacuum Cast AISI 440C-Mod Martensitic Stainless Steel

Abstract The spray-forming process is a promising processing route for producing high-performance high-carbon steels. In this study, as-received and hardened/tempered spray-formed (SF) AISI 440C-Mod steel is compared to its vacuum cast (VaC) counterpart. For materials microstructure characterization scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction were utilized. For the characterization of the mechanical properties and performance hardness, tensile, and compression testing were performed. The results show that the SF steel has a microstructure that is very different from the VaC condition. The differences in the microstructure of the steels after the different processing routes can be explained consistently by differences in the solidification rate and the rate of subsequent cooling of the solidified structure. In particular, the identity, morphology, and size of the primary carbides depend strongly on the combination of solidification and cooling rates. The differences in microstructures have a decisive influence on the mechanical properties of as-manufactured and hardened/tempered steels. The present findings demonstrate the potential of spray forming to produce high-performance AISI 440C-Mod martensitic stainless steel with improved mechanical properties compared to VaC steel.

New Insights into Red and White Quinoa Protein Isolates: Nutritional, Functional, Thermal Properties

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds, renowned for their nutritional richness and balanced amino acid profile, offer promising potential as food ingredients. This study focused on extracting and characterizing the protein isolates from red and white quinoa varieties to evaluate their physicochemical and functional properties. Protein isolation involved alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, followed by characterization through amino acid analysis, phenolic profiling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement, particle size distribution analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and rheological studies. The results showed that both the red and white quinoa protein isolates exhibited high protein content and essential amino acids, with notable differences in their amino acid compositions. The phenolic and flavonoid content varied between the red and white quinoa seeds, highlighting their potential antioxidant properties. SEM revealed distinct microstructural differences between the red and white quinoa protein isolates. Zeta potential measurements indicated the negative surface charges, influencing the stability in the solution. A particle size distribution analysis showed the monomodal distributions with minor variations in the mean particle size. The DSC profiles demonstrated multiple denaturation peaks, reflecting the complex protein compositions. Rheological studies indicated diverse gelation behaviors and mechanical properties. Overall, this comprehensive characterization underscores the potential of quinoa protein isolates as functional food ingredients with diverse applications in the food industry.

Structure of subcortico-cortical tracts in middle-aged and older adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Middle-aged and older adults with autism spectrum disorder may be susceptible to accelerated neurobiological changes in striato- and thalamo-cortical tracts due to combined effects of typical aging and existing disparities present from early neurodevelopment. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we employed diffusion-weighted imaging and automated tract-segmentation to explore striato- and thalamo-cortical tract microstructure and volume differences between autistic (n = 29) and typical comparison (n = 33) adults (40 to 70years old). Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and tract volumes were measured for 14striato-cortical and 12 thalamo-cortical tract bundles. Data were examined using linear regressions for group by age effects and group plus age effects, and false discovery rate correction was applied. Following false discovery rate correction, volumes of thalamocortical tracts to premotor, pericentral, and parietal regions were significantly reduced in autism spectrum disorder compared to thalamo-cortical groups, but no group by age interactions were found. Uncorrected results suggested additional main effects of group and age might be present for both tract volume and mean diffusivity across multiple subcortico-cortical tracts. Results indicate parallel rather than accelerated changes during adulthood in striato-cortical and thalamo-cortical tract volume and microstructure in those with autism spectrum disorder relative to thalamo-cortical peers though thalamo-cortical tract volume effects are the most reliable.

Links between cognition and multivariate brain white matter differences in individuals with family history of Alzheimer's disease

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is thought to result from a complex cascade of events involving several pathological processes. Recent studies have reported alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure in the early phase of AD, but WM remains understudied. We used a multivariate approach to capture the complexity and heterogeneity of WM pathologies and its links to cognition and AD risk factors in a more holistic manner.MethodThe MRI data of 134 cognitively unimpaired older adults with a family history of AD from the PREVENT‐AD cohort were analysed. Diffusion‐weighted imaging and multi‐echo magnetization transfer, proton density and T1‐weighted data were used to compute several WM metrics (see Fig. 1b‐c). We used the Mahalanobis distance (D2) to summarize the MRI metrics into a single score, indicative of the degree a voxel’s microstructure differs relative to a reference. Voxel‐wise D2 was computed for each subject relative to the group average of all other subjects using the MVComp tool and D2 maps were residualized for age (Fig. 2). Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses were then performed to relate WM D2 with cognition (RBANS) and AD risk factors, separately in each sex.ResultIn males, there was only one significant latent variable (LV 1). There were extensive brain WM regions associated with this LV pattern: higher white matter D2, was associated with higher BMI, lower total cholesterol (likely due to lower HDL) and worse cognitive performance in all cognitive domains except attention (Fig. 2a‐b). In females, only the first LV was significant. Higher D2 in several WM tracts, including the inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the parahippocampal cingulum, was associated with lower education, and worse cognitive performance in all cognitive domains except attention and visuospatial construction. Higher WM D2 was also associated with several metabolic risk factors in females including higher SBP, higher BMI, higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lower cholesterol (Fig. 2c‐d).ConclusionThe different patterns of associations observed suggest there are sex‐specific risk profiles associated with WM microstructure differences in this population of older adults at risk of AD. The WM tracts affected in each sex were also associated with specific cognitive profiles.

MCI Diagnosis and Neighborhood Disadvantage Predict Differences in White Matter Microstructure in a Rural Aging Cohort

MCI Diagnosis and Neighborhood Disadvantage Predict Differences in White Matter Microstructure in a Rural Aging Cohort

Elucidating Microstructural Alterations in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Application of Advanced Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Children With Rasopathies.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) can severely impact functioning yet effective treatments are limited. Greater insight into the neurobiology underlying NDDs is critical to the development of successful treatments. Using a genetics-first approach, we investigated the potential of advanced diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques to characterize the neural microstructure unique to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS). In this prospective study, children with NF1, NS, and typical developing (TD) were scanned using a multi-shell DWI sequence optimized for neurite orientation density and dispersion imaging (NODDI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Region-of-interest and tract-based analysis were conducted on subcortical regions and white matter tracts. Analysis of covariance, principal components, and linear discriminant analysis compared between three groups. 88 participants (Mage = 9.36, SDage = 2.61; 44 male) were included: 31 NS, 25 NF1, and 32 TD. Subcortical regions differed between NF1 and NS, particularly in the thalamus where the neurite density index (NDI; estimated difference 0.044 [95% CI: -0.034, 0.053], d = 2.36), orientation dispersion index (ODI; estimate 0.018 [95% CI: 0.010, 0.026], d = 1.39), and mean kurtosis (MK; estimate 0.049 [95% CI: 0.025, 0.072], d = 1.39) were lower in NF1 compared with NS (all p < 0.0001). Reduced NDI was found in NF1 and NS compared with TD in all 39 white matter tracts investigated (p < 0.0001). Reduced MK was found in a majority of the tracts in NF1 and NS relative to TD, while fewer differences in ODI were observed. The middle cerebellar peduncle showed lower NDI (estimate 0.038 [95% CI: 0.021, 0.056], p < 0.0001) and MK (estimate 0.057 [95% CI: 0.026, 0.089], p < 0.0001) in NF1 compared to NS. Multivariate analyses distinguished between groups using NDI, ODI, and MK measures. Principal components analysis confirmed that the clinical groups differ most from TD in white matter tract-based NDI and MK, whereas ODI values appear similar across the groups. The subcortical regions showed several differences between NF1 and NS, to the extent that a linear discriminant analysis could classify participants with NF1 with an accuracy rate of 97%. Differences in neural microstructure were detected between NF1 and NS, particularly in subcortical regions and the middle cerebellar peduncle, in line with pre-clinical evidence. Advanced DWI techniques detected subtle alterations not found in prior work using conventional diffusion tensor imaging.

DTI and DKI differences in the fornix microstructure associated with sleep apnea in cognitively normal patients

DTI and DKI differences in the fornix microstructure associated with sleep apnea in cognitively normal patients

Influence of welding methods on the microstructure of nickel-based weld metal for liquid hydrogen tanks

This study investigates the microstructure and hardness of weld metals used in liquid hydrogen storage tanks, with a focus on the effects of three welding methods: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Finite element simulations were employed to model the temperature field during welding, aiding in the explanation of observed microstructural differences. The results show that while GTAW and SMAW produce weld metals with similar microstructures, SAW generates significantly larger grains with a pronounced preferential orientation. The use of weaving techniques play a key role in shaping the solidification microstructures. Additionally, the hardness of the weld metal is comparable to that of the base material, with a slight reduction corresponding to increased grain size. This research offers valuable insights into optimizing welding processes for liquid hydrogen storage tanks by addressing the microstructural characteristics that influence weld joint performance.Graphical

Investigation of the microstructural characteristics of laser-cladded Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and its corrosion behavior in simulated body fluid

Laser cladding technology has a wide range of potential industrial applications in the surface strengthening, repair and reuse of orthopedic implants. By employing this technique to conduct same-material surface restoration and enhancement on titanium alloys, it demonstrates significant developmental potential. However, the microstructure of laser additively manufactured titanium alloy differs significantly from that of traditional titanium alloys, which affects its corrosion resistance in human body fluids. To compare the corrosion resistance differences between the cladding layer and the substrate, this study investigates the microstructure of multi-pass laser cladding Ti6Al4V (TC4) titanium alloy and analyzes the corrosion morphology and corrosion products of the cladding layer in simulated body fluids (SBF). By comparing the electrochemical corrosion behavior of laser cladding with that of traditionally manufactured TC4, this research reveals the differences in corrosion resistance between the two titanium alloys. The research demonstrates that the microstructure of cladding primarily consists of prior-β grains and continuous grain boundary α phase, along with a complex basketweave structure composed of fine acicular α phase and lamellar α phase. Additionally, due to the complex thermal cycling process, the acicular α' colonies within the prior-β grains. These features enhance the cladding layer’s resistance to plastic deformation and increase microhardness, though with some uneven distribution. Interestingly, the TC4 cladding layer forms a porous passivation layer after corrosion, primarily composed of a TiO2 passivation film and deposits of hydroxyapatite and other phosphates. Due to the lower β-phase content, finer grains with higher energy states, and a greater proportion of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) in the cladding layer, it exhibits higher electrochemical activity. As a result of these microstructural differences, the corrosion resistance of the TC4 cladding layer in SBF is inferior to that of TC4 manufactured using traditional techniques.

Effect of microstructure on performance and working mechanism of MnO2-PEDOT supercapacitors based on nonaqueous electrolytes

In this work we demonstrate the impact of synthesis conditions on the properties of stable nanostructured MnO2 and their application as electrode material in supercapacitors. Samples synthesized by hydrothermal method were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, BET surface area and the correlation with the electrochemical performance of constructed prototype supercapacitors was discussed. The morphological study of the as-synthesized MnO2 samples shown the morphology consisting of nanorods for pH value of 2.5 and cauliflower shape for pH of 3 and 6.5. The XRD study revealed that at low pH a α-MnO2 is formed whereas an increase of pH during synthesis leads to birnessite phase formation. The electrochemical studies, for 5 % KNO3 dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) used as an electrolyte, shown that the birnessite MnO2 structure exhibits much better electrochemical behavior of constructed supercapacitors comparing to α-MnO2. The observed electrochemical behavior can be explained by the microstructure differences of prepared materials.

Infrared drying effects on the quality of jujube and process optimization using response surface methodology

This study developed a specialized laboratory-scale apparatus utilizing infrared technology to optimize the infrared drying process and investigate water transfer dynamics and structural transformations during infrared radiation drying (IRD) of jujube. Key parameters, including rehydration ratio, color deviation, and Vitamin C (VC) retention rate, were assessed for Xinjiang gray jujube were assessed. Additionally. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate microstructural, physicochemical, and volatile component differences between IRD and hot air drying (HAD) methodologies. Response surface analysis was employed to optimize IRD parameters. The results identified optimal conditions as an infrared temperature of 55 °C, a loading capacity of 490 g, and an infrared radiation distance of 11 cm, resulting in a rehydration ratio of 1.75, a color deviation of 3.01, and a VC retention rate of 59.10g/100g. IRD demonstrated superior performance compared to HAD, with a 34.88g/100g improvement in VC retention rate and a 42.90g/100g reduction in drying time. Additionally, jujube dried using IRD exhibited a denser microstructure than those dried by HAD. These findings highlight the effectiveness of IRD in accelerating drying processes while maintaining high jujube quality, thereby providing a robust theoretical foundation for future jujube drying research.

The variation in microstructure and thermal conductivity of a plate-like Al-Fe-Ni high-pressure die casting

The difference in microstructure and thermal conductivity at different positions in a plate-like high-thermal-conductivity high-pressure die-cast Al-Fe-Ni alloy was investigated. The volume fraction of porosity increased from the gate to the overflow side because of the lowest temperature and intensification pressure, and a higher volume fraction of entrained air at the overflow side. The area fraction and diameter of externally solidified crystals α-Al (ESCs-α) decreased, and the eutectic fraction increased from the gate to the overflow side because of the block effect at the narrow gate to force a large number of ESCs-α staying at the gate side. Based on experimental and calculated results, the sample at the gate side with the lowest eutectic and pore fractions, and the highest fraction of low-solute-content ESCs-α exhibited the highest thermal conductivity.

Association between white matter microstructural changes and aggressiveness. A case-control diffusion tensor imaging study

Research has focused on identifying neurobiological risk factors associated with aggressive behavior in order to improve prevention and treatment efforts. This study aimed to characterize microstructural differences in white matter (WM) integrity in individuals prone to aggression. We hypothesized that altered cerebral WM microstructure may underlie normal individual variability in aggression and tested this using a case-control design in healthy individuals. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to examine WM changes in martial artists (n = 29) and age-matched controls (n = 31). We performed tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to identify differences in axial diffusivity (AD), fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) between the two groups at the whole-brain level. Martial artists were significantly more aggressive than controls, with increased MD in parietal and occipital areas and increased AD in widespread fiber tracts in the frontal, parietal and temporal areas. Positive associations between AD/MD and (physical) appetitive aggression were identified in several clusters, including the corpus callosum, the superior longitudinal fasciculus and the corona radiata. Our study found evidence for WM microstructural changes associated with aggressiveness in a community case-control sample. Longitudinal studies with larger cohorts, taking into account the dimensional nature of aggressiveness, are needed to better understand the underlying neurobiology.

Effect of Dehydrogenation and Heat Treatments on the Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Electroless Ni-P Nanocomposite Coatings.

High phosphorus Ni-P coatings, both unreinforced and modified by the addition of alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles, were manufactured by electroless deposition technique and heat-treated with different temperature and duration schedules. The effect of dehydrogenation (200 °C for 2 h) and its combination with crystallization heat treatment was studied in terms of microstructural changes and wear resistance. The amorphous structure of the coatings was not altered by the introduction of both Al2O3 and ZrO2 nanoparticles, and the addition of 1.5 g/L of ZrO2 yielded the highest microhardness due to better particles dispersion. Dehydrogenation improved hardness because of the early stages of grain growth; however, the greatest improvement in hardness (+120% compared to unreinforced Ni-P) was obtained after annealing at 400 °C for 1 h, because of the microprecipitation of the Ni3P crystalline phase induced by thermal treatment. No detectable differences in hardness and microstructure were detected when annealing at 400 °C for 1 h with or without prior dehydrogenation; however, the dehydrogenated coatings exhibited a lower Young's modulus. ZrO2-reinforced coatings demonstrated improved wear resistance, and wear tests revealed that dehydrogenation is fundamental for lowering the coefficient of friction (-14%) and wear rate (-97%) when performed before annealing at 400 °C for 1 h. The analysis of the wear tracks showed that the non-dehydrogenated samples failed by complete coating delamination from the substrate, with abrasion identified as the predominant wear mechanism. Conversely, the dehydrogenated samples demonstrated better resistance due to the formation of a protective oxide layer, leading to an overall increase in the coating wear resistance.