Microstructural and electrochemical analysis of Ni–SiC composite coatings prepared in presence of additives

• Electrodeposited Ni–SiC composite coatings were successfully prepared.
• Effect of different contents of CTAB and saccharin were evaluated.
• Addition of CTAB improved the particles codeposition and anti-corrosion properties.
• Use of saccharin improved matrix grain size and vickers microhardness.

Ni–SiC composite coatings have been successfully prepared by pulse electrodeposition technique by dispersing SiC nanoparticles into the sulfamate electrolytic bath. Different contents of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and saccharin (SAC) have been used to evaluate the effect of additives concentration on the final properties of deposits. The composite coatings exhibited refined matrix grains and increased microhardness as compared to pure nickel coating. The results revealed that microstructural changes and codeposition of SiC nanoparticles in nickel deposit are influenced by presence of additives. Findings revealed that despite of nickel crystallite grain refinement and increase in vickers microhardness of composite coatings by application of saccharin, electrochemical corrosion property is found to be affected.