Fabrication and wear resistance of Ni-CeO_{2 nanocomposite coatings by electrodeposition under ultrasound condition

Ni-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were fabricated by electrodeposition from a modified Watt's type electrolyte containing CeO2 nanoparticles with an average particle size of 30 nm, where an ultrasonic field was imposed during electrodeposition process. The surface morphologies, crystal structure, vickers hardness and wear resistance of the coatings were examined. It was found that the Ni-CeO2 nanocomposite coating fabricated with ultrasound exhibited finer grains and more compact structure compared to the pure Ni coating and also the Ni-CeO2 nanocomposite coating fabricated without ultrasound. The crystal orientation of Ni-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings greatly changed in the presence of ultrasound. Furthermore, the imposition of ultrasound gave rise to increased hardness and wear resistance of the Ni-CeO2 nanocomposite coating.