Microcrystalline and nanocrystalline nickel layers reinforced by Al2O3 particles
Beata Kucharska, Jerzy Robert Sobiecki
Quarterly No. 4, 2013 pages 232-236
DOI:
keywords: nickel coating, Al2O3 particles, electrochemical method, microhardness
abstract Nickel coatings produced by plating processes are mainly used for decorative purposes and as a material that protects the substrate from corrosion. The incorporation of a reinforcing phase of alumina in a ductile nickel matrix allows for improved tribological and corrosion properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the process parameters on the structure of Ni/Al2O3 composite layers produced by the electrochemical method. The study included composite layers of a microcrystalline and nanocrystalline Ni matrix and micrometric and nanometric particle size disperse phases of Al2O3. The layers were deposited in a Watts bath modified by a nickel grain growth inhibitor, at a current density of 5 A/dm2. In order to ensure uniform co-embedding of the disperse phase particles with the nickel matrix and to produce a stable suspension, a cationic surfactant was also used. The completed studies have shown that addition of the nickel grain growth inhibitor significantly affects the reduction of the nickel crystallite size. The particle size of alumina affects its content and distribution in the Ni/Al2O3 composite layer. Both, the grain size of the nickel, as well as the amount and type of built-in phase affect the microhardness of the examined nickel and composite layers.