The Improvement of Hardness and Corrosion Resistance of Electroplated Pd-Ni Film on 316L Stainless Steel by CeCl3

Abstract

By using the methods of XRD, SEM/EDS, electrochemical polarization, and a weight loss test, the effects of the rare earth salt CeCl3 on the adherence, hardness, porosity and corrosion resistance of an electroplated Pd-Ni film on 316L stainless steel were studied. The results showed that by adding 1.0 g L−1 CeCl3 in the plating bath, the obtained Pd-Ni film was obviously improved. The grain size was refined, and the microstructure was more compact and uniform. The film hardness and the adherence to the substrate increased, and the corrosion resistance in a 20 wt % H2SO4 solution (80 °C) obviously increased. Ce3+ increased the throwing power of the bath, which resulted in more uniform current distribution and strengthened the cathodic polarization degree during the electroplating process.