The effect of electroplating current density on microstructure, corrosion, and wear behavior of Ni–P–W–TiO2 coating

Abstract

Abstract The use of ceramic particles in the matrix of alloy coatings during the electroplating process has received considerable attention. These particles can create properties such as high corrosion resistance, insolubility, high-temperature stability, strong hardness, and self-lubrication capability. Herein, an Ni–P–W–TiO2 coating was deposited on an AISI 304L steel substrate using the electroplating method. Electroplating was performed at current densities of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mA · cm–2, and the effect of current density on microstructure, corrosion behavior, and wear behavior was investigated. The coatings were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy. To investigate corrosion resistance, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were performed in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution. A pin-on-disk test was conducted to test the wear resistance of uncoated and coated samples. Sample micro-hardness was also measured by Vickers hardness testing. Examination of the microstructure revealed that the best coating was produced at a current density of 20 mA · cm–2. The results of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were consistent with microscopic images. The coating created at the current density of 20 mA · cm–2 had the highest corrosion resistance compared to other coated and non-coated samples. Furthermore, the results of the wear test showed that increasing the current density of the electroplating path up to 20 mA · cm–2 enhances micro-hardness and wear resistance.