Research on the Corrosion Behavior of Ni-SiC Nanocoating Prepared Using a Jet Electrodeposition Technique

In order to improve the anti-corrosive ability of a Ni-SiC nanocoating, a jet electrodeposition technique was used to prepare a Ni-SiC nanocoating on the substrate of a Q235 steel surface. Using FLUENT software to simulate the effects of different nozzle diameters on the jet rate and kinetic energy parameters of the plating solution, the surface morphology, microstructure, and corrosion behaviors of the jet-electrodeposited Ni-SiC nanocoatings prepared with different nozzle diameters were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and an electrochemical workstation. The kinetic energy (543 kg m²/s²) and jet rate (113 m/s) of the plating fluid were maximized using a nozzle diameter of Φ8 mm. Results indicate that the surface structure of the Ni-SiC nanocoating prepared using a nozzle diameter of Φ8 mm presented compact, homogeneous, and abundant SiC particles embedded into the Ni-SiC nanocoating, and the average diameters of the Ni and SiC particles were 76.4 nm and 33.2 nm, respectively. This proved that the diameter of the nozzle had a significant influence on the anti-corrosive properties of the Ni-SiC nanocoating, where a nozzle diameter of Φ8 mm was shown to be optimal. It has been shown that nozzle diameter improves kinetic energy and jet rate of the plating fluid, thereby improving anti-corrosive properties and generating a compact and uniform microstructure.