Tribological behavior of electrodeposited Zn, Zn-Ni, Cd and Cd-Ti coatings on low carbon steel substrates

► Utilization of in situ tribometry to understand tribology of metal coatings. ► Transfer film formation, debris and contact conditions in Zn-Ni, Zn and Cd coatings. ► Correlation of TF and coating characteristics to tribology of metal coatings. ► Cd replacement with Zn-Ni by utilizing in situ tribometry and ex situ analysis.