Synthesis and characterization of Ni/TiO2 nanocomposite coatings

Lidia Benea*, Eliza Danaila

Competences Center: Interfaces-Tribocorrosion-Electrochemical Systems (CC-ITES), Faculty of Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domnească Street, RO-800008, Galați Romania.

Nanocomposites coatings consisting of nanometer size particles of pure metal, ceramic or organic material in a metal matrix have long attracted the attention of science and technology. Such metallic matrix nanocomposite coatings offer outstanding mechanical and multifunctional properties for various applications. The electro-codeposition method consisting in the incorporation of insoluble metallic or non-metallic particles during electrolytic deposition has the advantages of: low working temperatures, low cost, low energy requirements, good reproducibility, easy maintenance, uniform depositions on complex component geometries, homogeneous distribution of particles and industrial applicability. In this study, attempts have been made to develop Ni/TiO2 nanocomposite coatings on stainless steel support using 10 nanometer size of TiO2 as dispersed phase (with different concentrations) during nickel electrocrystallization. Pure Ni coatings were also produced under the same experimental conditions for comparison. The obtained electrodeposited Ni/TiO2 nanococoatings were characterized in terms of surface morphology, structure, chemical composition, roughness, thickness and nanohardness. By embedding the TiO2 nanoparticles into Ni matrix the morphologies of resulted Ni/TiO2 nanocomposite coatings are changed and the effect is enhanced with increased concentration of nano-particles in the nickel electrolyte. The results show an improving of nanohardness by adding nano dispersed TiO2 particles into Ni matrix.