Mechanical properties and microstructure of Au-Ni-TiO2 nano-composite coatings

Two different kinds of Au-Ni-TiO2 nano-composite coatings were electrodeposited by powder enhanced method and sol-enhanced technology. A comparative study on the mechanical properties and microstructure of Au-Ni-TiO2 coatings was conducted. Due to the high surface energy of nano-particles, agglomeration of TiO2 powders can be seen clearly in the solid particle enhanced Au-Ni-TiO2 coating. Correspondingly, TiO2 nano-particles with a size ranging from 3-12 nm were highly dispersed in the sol-enhanced Au-Ni-TiO2 coating matrix, resulting in a significant improvement of nano-hardness.