Preparation and characterization of sol–gel Al2O3/Ni–P composite coatings on carbon steel

Ceramic films have been applied to improve the resistance against high temperature oxidation of carbon steels. Alumina film was prepared on carbon steel surface by a dip coating technique. Electroless Ni–P plating film has been pre-deposited as an intermediate layer to improve the adherence of the film to carbon steel substrate. The oxidation kinetics of coated sample was investigated by measuring weight gain at 800 °C for 100 h. The surface and cross-section morphology of samples before and after oxidation were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition and element distribution at the interface of the coated samples were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and EMAX.The results show that the composite coating is uniform. The alumina coating adhesion strength to the substrate is up to 20 ± 2 N in scratch test because the alumina film presents interdiffusion of nickel and aluminum during heat treatment. The oxidation resistance test indicates higher oxidation resistance of as-coated carbon steel comparing to uncoated ones.