Synthesis of Ni–TiN composites through ultrasonic pulse electrodeposition with excellent corrosion and wear resistance

Abstract In this study, Ni–TiN composites with excellent corrosion and wear resistance were successfully prefabricated through the ultrasonic pulse electrodeposition (UPED) technique. The microstructure, cross-section composition distribution, microhardness, corrosion and wear resistance of the composites were investigated through atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers microhardness testing, electrochemical workstation utilization and wear testing. Both AFM and HRTEM results indicated that the Ni–TiN composite prepared with the UPED method displayed a fine and compact surface structure, whereas the average diameters of Ni grains and TiN nanoparticles in the composite were 68.4 nm and 26.8 nm, respectively. The XPS results demonstrated that the concentrations of Ti and Ni in the Ni–TiN composite synthetized through the UPED method were approximately 21.7 at% and 47.2 at%, respectively. The UPED-deposited Ni–TiN composite displayed the highest microhardness than the other coatings, whereas the average microhardness of the nickel coating was only approximately 486.1 HV. The UPED-deposited Ni–TiN composite displayed the best corrosion resistance, due to the introduction of moderate ultrasonication. The worn surface morphologies of the UPED-deposited Ni–TiN composite were smooth, whereas only a few low-sized scratches appeared on the surface, thereby displaying the best wear resistance in this wear test.