A comparison of ZrO2 nanoparticle reinforced Ni–W, Ni–B and Ni–Cu matrix nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract In this work, the structure and properties of ZrO2 nanoparticle reinforced Ni–W, Ni–B and Ni–Cu matrix nanocomposite coatings were comparatively studied. Their surface morphology, composition, microstructure, topography, hardness, wear and corrosion resistance were examined by various methods . The nanocomposites exhibit dense, nodular-like morphology with nanocrystalline structure. The results show that the ZrO2 particles have homogeneously dispersed in the nanocomposites. The formation of the protrusion structure was partly attributed to the heterogeneous distribution of the electric field. The presence of ZrO2 nanoparticles could refine the crystallite size of the Ni–W, Ni–B and Ni–Cu alloy matrix to 12.5 ± 1, 10.5 ± 0.5 and 15 ± 0.1 nm, respectively. The corrosion resistance of these nanocomposites can be improved by the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles into the alloy matrix. The R a of Ni–W/ZrO2, Ni–B/ZrO2 and Ni–Cu/ZrO2 nanocomposites are about 53 ± 3, 69 ± 2, 18 ± 1 nm, respectively, expressing the rougher surface of Ni–B/ZrO2 compared to the others. It indicated that the composition of these alloy matrix have different crystallite size, which could affect the surface roughness of the electrodeposits. The inclusion of ZrO2 particles in Ni-based alloys could enhance its properties. The reinforcement effect of the anti-wear properties of the nanocomposites was proposed. The R ct value of the Ni–W–ZrO2, Ni–B–ZrO2, Ni–Cu–ZrO2 were 50.93, 105.18, 44.67 kΩ · cm2, respectively, indicating that the Ni–B–ZrO2 nanocomposite coating has the highest corrosion resistance. The R ct values depends on not only the composition of the coatings, but also the electrodeposition conditions, which influence the crystallize size and compactness of the electrodeposits. The order of the microhardness and anti-wear properties is Ni–W–ZrO2 > Ni–B–ZrO2 > Ni–Cu–ZrO2.