Nanomechanical properties of functionally graded composite coatings: Electrodeposited nickel dispersions containing silicon micro- and nanoparticles

Nickel/silicon carbide electrocomposites coatings exhibited improved nanomechanical properties in comparison to pure nickel electrodeposits. The improved properties of the composite coatings are associated to structural modifications of the nickel crystallites as well as the morphology of the electrodeposited layers.