Microstructure and surface mechanical properties of electrodeposited Ni coating on Al 2014 alloy

The surface of Al 2014 was modified by electrochemical deposition of Ni with an aim to improve the surface mechanical properties of the alloy. The deposition was performed at various values of DC current, potential and time using standard Watt's bath. The samples were heat treated to improve the adhesion and hardness of Ni coatings. Material characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microhardness, nanohardness, microscratch and coefficient of friction measurements were undertaken to determine the surface mechanical properties of the electrodeposited Ni coating. Experimental results indicate that electrochemical deposition combined with heat treatment can be used to improve the surface properties of Al alloys.