Improvement in comprehensive properties of nanocomposite coatings electro-codeposited with nitride and ceria

Metal matrix composite coatings have attracted scientific and engineering interest because of their excellent mechanical properties. Nano-Si3N4 reinforced nickel coatings with different ceria contents were fabricated by electrodeposition. The microstructures, hardness, and tribological properties as well as corrosion behaviors of the composite coatings were studied in detailed. The results show that incorporation of ceria nanoparticles into the nickel matrix can decrease the grain size and facilitate the (111) texture of the coatings, leading to a smooth surface, compact microstructure, and dispersion-strengthening composites. The 6CeO(2) coating with the highest hardness of 520 HV50g demonstrates the best wear resistance, while the 3CeO(2) coating shows the best corrosion resistance with the smallest i(corr) value of 0.0972 mu A/cm(2). The study suggests a significant improvement in mechanical and anti-corrosion properties by incorporation with the ceria nanoparticles, which has important implications for the surface protection of engineering materials.