Influence of Cs⁺ ions on codeposition of SiC particles with Ni–Co alloy

Abstract

Ni–Co/SiC composite coatings were produced by electrodeposition from a Watt's-type bath. The effect of current density and SiC concentration on the weight percentage of embedded particles was determined. Enhanced SiC incorporation was observed in the presence of small amount of cesium ions in the plating bath. It was attributed to increased adsorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on the particles induced by Cs⁺ ions. Preferential adsorption of Cs⁺ was also observed. Validation of the Guglielmi model was confirmed for the codeposition process in the Ni–Co/SiC system. The incorporation of SiC within the alloy matrix resulted in the improvement of the microhardness of the deposits. Morphology and particle distribution in the deposits was studied by optical and electron (SEM, TEM) microscopy.

Keywords:

• ELECTRODEPOSITION
• COMPOSITE
• NI-CO ALLOY
• SILICON CARBIDE PARTICLES
• CESIUM