Comparative Studies of Electrochemical and Mechanical Properties of Nickel Electrodeposited and Laser Fabricated Coatings on Steel

Choosing the right surface coating/modification technique is a challenging aspect of material design in recent years with respect to emerging and developing surface engineering technologies. Ni coatings were fabricated on mild steel (MS) samples using electrodeposition and laser cladding techniques respectively. Optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were used to study the morphology, elemental composition, and phase evolution of coatings. Corrosion resistance and wear behaviour were investigated using electro Potentiostat and sliding ball wear tester, respectively. Laser clad Ni coating exhibited high wear resistance with high coefficient of friction, plastic deformation, and cracks on the surface, while Ni electrodeposited coatings had low wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, and eroded materials on the surface. Protective intermetallic oxide phases evolved on both the electrodeposited and the laser cladded coatings. Greater corrosion resistance in 3.65% NaCl solution was achieved through electrodeposition than through laser cladding of Ni on mild steel.