Characterisation and properties of Ni–W–Y 2 O 3 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite coating

Abstract

In this work, nickel-based composite coatings were deposited using ultrasonic electrodeposition under pulse current condition at different current densities, temperatures and concentrations of Y₂O₃ and/or ZrO₂ dispersed in the plating solution. The morphology and electrochemical properties were investigated. The electrochemical test methods (such as chronopotentiometry, potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were used to investigate the stability of electrode potential during deposition and the corrosion resistance of Ni-based coating reinforced using Y₂O₃ and ZrO₂. It was demonstrated that, when the deposition current density was 1.5 A dm⁻², the temperature was 60°C and the added amount of Y₂O₃ and ZrO₂ nanoparticles was 10 g L⁻¹ each, the coating was compact, stable and free of cracks. The results of electrochemical tests showed that, under the optimal deposition parameters, the deposition process was stable, while the corrosion current density decreased by an order of magnitude compared to Ni–W alloy.