Pulse electrodeposition and corrosion properties of Ni–Si₃N₄ nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

The development of modern technology requires metallic materials with better surface properties. In the present investigation; Si₃N₄-reinforced nickel nanocomposite coatings were deposited on a mild steel substrate using pulse current electrodeposition process employing a nickel acetate bath. Surface morphology, composition, microstructure and crystal orientation of Ni and Ni–Si₃N₄ nanocomposite coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The effect of incorporation of Si₃N₄ particles in the Ni nanocomposite coating on the micro hardness, corrosion behaviour has been evaluated. Smooth composite deposits containing well-distributed silicon nitride particles were obtained and the crystal grains on the surface of Ni–Si₃N₄ composite coating are compact. The crystallite structure was face centred cubic (fcc) for electrodeposited nickel and Ni–Si₃N₄ nanocomposite coatings. The micro hardness of the composite coatings (720 HV) was higher than that of pure nickel (310 HV) due to dispersion-strengthening and matrix grain refining and increased with the increase of incorporated Si₃N₄ particle content. The corrosion potential (E _corr) in the case of Ni–Si₃N₄ nanocomposite had shown a negative shift, confirming the cathodic protective nature of the coating.