![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Co–CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were obtained by electrocodeposition of nanoparticulate cerium oxide bioceramic (25 nm mean diameter) into cobalt matrix on stainless steel support and the resulting properties were evaluated comparatively with pure cobalt layers. The surface and anticorrosion properties in the simulating body fluid (SBF) solution of the obtained Co–CeO2 nanocomposite layers are characterised using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy system, ultrahigh microtopography, Vickers surface microhardness, linear polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results indicate that CeO2 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed into cobalt matrix and influence the surface morphology, microtopography, and microhardness and corrosion behaviour of nanocomposite coatings obtained. Coating thickness increases with increased current density as well as the surface roughness and microhardness. At the same time, the results obtained by corrosion tests show that when compared with the traditional polycrystalline cobalt films, the obtained Co–CeO2 nanocomposite layers exhibit the enhanced corrosion resistance in the SBF solution.
The Romanian National Research Authority (ANCS) is gratefully acknowledged for the support of this work as a Bilateral Project Romania– France, Programme Humbert Curien (PHC) – Brancusi: ‘Nano-structured coatings for functionalised surfaces’, no. 19603 PC (contract no. ANCS 214/2009-2010). Furthermore, the work is sustained by the bilateral research agreement between Research (Competences) Centre Interfaces – Tribocorrosion and Electrochemical Systems (CC-ITES) from Dunarea de Jos University of Galati (RO) and Chemical and Material Engineering Laboratory (LGPM) from Ecole Centrale Paris (F).