Microstructure and properties of Ni-Co-TiO2 composite coatings fabricated by electroplating

Abstract

Ni-Co coatings are widely used due to their unique mechanical properties, high anticorrosion properties, good thermal stability and special magnetic properties. Ni-Co-xTiO2 (x = 0-20 g/L in the electrolyte) composite coatings were fabricated by electrodeposition on mild steel. The effect of TiO2 concentration on the microhardness, surface morphology and tribological behaviour has been studied. The results show that, comparing with pure Ni-Co coating, both microhardness and wear property of the Ni-Co-TiO2 composite coatings were significantly improved. The microstructure and properties for the Ni-Co-TiO2 composite coatings were varied following with the TiO2 concentration. The mechanism of mechanical property improvement was also discussed.