Enhanced mechanical and wear properties of Ni-W-SiC composite coatings by synergistic influence of micro-nano SiC mixture

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2023-08, Vol.467, p.129678, Article 129678
• Main Authors: Zhang, Peng, Zhao, Yuhui, Huang, Jiale, Li, Jie, Cao, Lin, Liu, Jianan, Han, Guofeng, Du, Wenbo, Chen, Lihua, Xiao, Linlin, Wang, Qiwei, Yang, Yingfei, Zhu, Sheng, Li, Wei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion resistance; Microstructure; Ni-W-SiC composite coatings; Pulse electrodeposition; Wear resistance
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2023.129678

Ni-W-SiC composite coatings with mixed nano- and micro-sized SiC particles are prepared by the pulsed electrodeposition. The microstructure, microhardness, wear and corrosion resistances of the composite coatings were studied as a function of the mixed ratios of nano- to micro-sized SiC. The results showed that the nano-sized SiC can be carried by micro-sized SiC during the deposition process, resulting in a greater amount of nano-sized SiC being incorporated into the composite coatings without agglomeration. The wear resistance of the composite coatings with a mixture of nano- and micro-sized SiC is improved. The highest microhardness is obtained on Ni-W-SiC coating containing a ratio of nano- to micro-sized SiC particles of 1:3. However, as a result of the blockage of the Faradaic current by the inert SiC particles, composite coatings with the highest total SiC content exhibited the best corrosion resistance. Discussions are conducted in detail regarding the effects of mixture particles on microstructure, microhardness, wear and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. Moreover, the interaction between the nano- and micro-sized SiC during the deposition process are also discussed. •Ni-W-SiC composite coating containing a ratio of nano- to micro-sized SiC particles of 1:3 shows the highest microhardness and finest grain size.•Ni-W-SiC composite coatings with mixed nano- and micro-sized SiC particles present improved wear resistance than that with pure sized SiC.•The corrosion resistance of Ni-W-SiC composite coatings with the highest total SiC content is the best.•By electrostatic attraction, micro-sized SiC can carry and transfer nano-sized SiC to the cathode, which promotes the incorporation of the nano-sized SiC and alleviates its agglomeration.