Successful incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in nickel electrodeposited coating by electrophoresis

A homogenous and adhesive multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coating was electrophoretically deposited on stainless steel from an aqueous solution by applying high strength electric fields. Then, nickel was electrodeposited on MWCNT films. MWCNTs content in the composite coatings was reached to 12.5 wt% which was much higher than the content of MWCNTs in conventional nickel-MWCNT electrodeposited coatings. The hardness value of composite coatings significantly increased up to 870 Vickers which it was measured by both micro and nanohardness tests.

► A novel root was suggested for synthesis of nickel-MWCNT composite coatings by combining EPD and electrodeposition. ► A homogenous and adhesive multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coating was electrophoretically deposited on stainless steel from an aqueous solution by applying high strength electric fields. ► The results showed a great enhancement in hardness of the coatings due to the increasing of carbon content up to 12.5 wt% which is much higher than the results of previous works. ► A perfect combination between MWCNTs and the nickel matrix results in the formation of an armed concrete like structure adhered firmly to the substrate. ► This procedure could be used for fabrication of other metals and alloy matrix composites, with high contents of well-distributed carbon nanotubes.