Ni-P-TiO₂ nanocomposite coatings with uniformly dispersed Ni₃Ti intermetallics: effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles concentration

ABSTRACT

Ni-P-TiO₂ nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited on copper substrates and influence of TiO₂ nanoparticles concentration on the phase structure, morphology, chemical composition, microhardness, and corrosion behaviour of the coatings was investigated. Results demonstrate that Ni₃Ti intermetallics form and grow during the electrodeposition of the coatings. This study is the first to report the formation of the intermetallics in the case of electrodeposited Ni-P alloy matrix composite coatings. Moreover, the formation mechanism of the intermetallics is discussed in detail. The formed intermetallics dispersed uniformly throughout the microstructure of the nanocomposite coatings, thereby playing a critical role in improving the mechanical and corrosion-related properties of the coatings. Ni-P-10 g·L⁻¹ TiO₂ nanocomposite coating possessing the highest amount of Ni₃Ti intermetallic associated with the lowest P content, thereby showing the superior microhardness and corrosion resistance. All in all, the volume fraction of Ni₃Ti intermetallics is the dominant factor altering the various properties of the coatings.

KEYWORDS:

• Ni-P-TiO₂ nanocomposite coatings
• Ni₃Ti intermetallic
• DC electrodeposition
• mechanical properties
• corrosion behaviour

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in the surface engineering repository.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.