Study of Al2O3/SiC particle loading on the microstructural strengthening characteristics of Zn–Al2O3–SiC matrix composite coating

In this paper, the microstructure, and mechanical performance of Zn–Al2O3–SiC film co-deposited on mild steel substrate were produced by electrodeposition method. The structural characteristic of the composite coating was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Mechanical examination was done using durascan hardness tester. The result showed that the influence of individual particle loading greatly alter the structural properties and hardness behavior. The increase in hardness is attributed to the perfect homogeneity and characteristics of the particulate which led to the formation of uniform distribution, coherent and interfacial precipitation within the zinc lattice.