Effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle content on structure and sliding wear behavior of the composite plating

Ni based composite plating reinforced by Al2O3 nanoparticles was prepared on 45 steel by electro-brush plating. Effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle content in the solution on microstructure, mechanical properties and sliding wear behavior of the composite plating were studied, and the effect mechanism was discussed. The results show that the microstructure is refined gradually with the increase of Al2O3 nanoparticle content in the solution, while the microhardness and wear resistance appears maximal values when Al2O3 nanoparticle content is 20 g/L, and the wearing mechanism of the plating also changes at that content value. This is attributed to the content and distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticle in composite coating.