Electrodeposition and tribocorrosion behaviour of ZrO₂–Ni composite coatings

Abstract

With the objective of producing new functional surfaces with enhanced tribo-corrosion properties we have investigated the electrochemical codeposition of composites in which an electrodeposited metal (nickel) is the matrix and a transition metal oxide (ZrO₂) is the dispersed phase. This paper describes the effect of ZrO₂ dispersed particle codeposition on nickel electrocrystallisation steps as well as the tribocorrosion behaviour of the composite coatings obtained. This system was selected because nickel is an industrially important coating material on steel and other support materials. The cathodic polarization curves have been plotted both in the presence and absence of the insoluble dispersed phase. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to obtain additional information on the early steps of nickel and nickel matrix composite electrodeposition. Impedance data were acquired with a Solartron type electrochemical interface and frequency response analyzer. A schematic codeposition mechanism is proposed. The influence of zirconium oxide on the nickel electrodeposition steps is discussed. The tribocorrosion properties of ZrO₂–Ni composite coatings (100 μm thickness) have been studied in 0.5 M K₂SO₄ solution on a pin on disc tribo-corrosimeter connected to an electrochemical cell. The normal force applied was 10 N at a rotation speed of 120 rpm. The counterbody (pin) was a corrundum cylinder (7 mm in diameter), mounted vertically on a rotating head, above the specimen. The lower spherical end (radius = 100 mm) of the pin was then applied against the composite surface (disc).