Study of the influence of sonication during the electrod­eposition of nickel matrix nanocomposite coatings on the protective properties

Abstract

The interest in the electrocodeposition has been revived due the development of new nanotechnology methods for the production of nano-particles. The codeposition of nanoparticles might enhance the mechanical properties of composite deposits without penalizing the corrosion resistance and avoid the formation of an abrasive third body during the wear process. On the other hand, the volume fraction of codeposited nano-particles is generally low and usually inversely proportional to their size. Many efforts have been done in order to improve the codeposition rate of nanoparticles. Most of the research on nickel composites is focused on the electrodeposition process or on the mechanical and wear properties rather than on the corrosion resistance. In this work, the protective properties of nickel matrix nanocomposite coatings have been studied by means of potentiodynamic curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Two different nanopowders, i.e., silicon carbide and alumina, were added to a Watts type galvanic bath in order to deposit the nanocomposites coatings on steel substrate. Ultrasonic vibrations have been considered as new process parameter to improve the dispersion of the powder into both the plating bath and metal matrix coating and to substitute pitting control agents for the production of defect-free coatings. Unique, functional properties of composite coatings are derived not only from the presence of the particles dispersed in the bulk of the metallic matrix but also on the matrix microstructural changes induced by the interaction between particles and electrocrystallization process. It has been demonstrated that the codeposition of the silicon carbide particles induces an important microstructural refinement. On the contrary, the aluminum oxide powder is strongly agglomerated and only under ultrasonic vibrations can be dispersed. Ultrasounds have a positive effect not only in hindering the porosity but also in dispersing the ceramic powder and increasing the codeposition rate leading thus to the production of protective and very refined coatings. Moreover, the better dispersed powder induces an improvement also in the corrosion protection leading to the formation of a more stable and resistant passive nickel oxide.