A comparative study of the effect of mechanical and ultrasound agitation on the properties of electrodeposited Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings

►Ultrasonic pretreatment of solutions decreased the size of particles agglomerates. ►Ni/Al2O3 coatings were electrodeposited under mechanical and ultrasound agitation. ►The composition, morphology, structure and tribological properties were studied. ►Ultrasound agitation enhanced Al2O3 incorporation and dispersion in the Ni matrix. ►Ultrasound agitation leads to Ni/Al2O3 coatings with better tribological properties.