Effect of CTAB concentration in the electrolyte on the tribological properties of nanoparticle SiC reinforced Ni metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings produced by electrodeposition

In this study, a nickel sulfate bath containing SiC nanoparticles (between 100 and 1000 nm) was used to obtain hard and wear-resistant nanoparticle reinforced Ni-SiC MMCs on steel surfaces for anti-wear applications, such as dies, tools and working parts. The influence of stirring speed and surfactant concentration on particle distribution, microhardness and wear resistance of nano-composite coatings has been studied. The nickel films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The depositions were controlled to obtain a specific thickness (between 50 and 200 mu m) and particle volume fraction in the matrix (between 0.02 and 0.12). The hardness of the resulting coatings was also measured and found to be 280-571 Hv, depending on the particle volume in the Ni matrix. The effects of the surfactant on the zeta potential, co-deposition and distribution of SiC particles in the nickel matrix, as well as the tribological properties of composite coatings, were investigated. The tribological behaviors of the electrodeposited SiC nano composite coatings sliding against M50 steel ball (empty set 10 mm) were examined on a CSM Instrument. All friction and wear tests were performed without lubrication at room temperature and in the ambient air (relative humidity 55-65 %). The results showed that the wear resistance of the nano composites was approximately 2-2.2 times higher than unreinforced Ni deposited material. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.