Electrodeposition of Ni/WC nano composite in sulfate solution

Metal matrix composite coatings have gained great attention due to their exclusive properties. They have shown the properties of a metallic host material modified by addition of a second phase. In electrodeposition of Ni/WC nano composite, nickel was deposited on the substrates by DC electrodeposition in Watt's based bath containing nickel sulfate, nickel chloride, boric acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate. WC content in the coating was determined by different parameters such as current density, powder content and surfactant amount. Mechanism of electrodeposition was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and was confirmed by Guglielmi model. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Hardness, scratch resistance and corrosion resistance of Ni/WC composite coating were also determined.

► Ni/WC composite coatings were deposited by various contents of the WC particles.
► deposition was investigated by electrochemical techniques.
► Composition, microstructure and hardness were studied.
► The effect of surfactant on morphology was investigated.
► WC particles content was changed by SDS and CTAB concentration.