Synthesis and characterization of Ni-W/TiN nanocomposite coating with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance deposited by pulse electrodeposition

Abstract To enhance mechanical properties and anti-corrosion capability of Ni-W alloy further, Ni-W/TiN nanocomposite coating has been co-deposited via pulse current co-deposition in this work. The effects of TiN nanoparticles and operating parameters on the structure and properties of the deposited coating were examined. It illustrated that the nanocomposite coatings are uniform, dense and crack-free, exhibiting dome-like or hill-valley like structure. The particles were homogeneously incorporated in the metallic matrix. RTC analysis indicated that the preferred orientation of Ni-W/TiN was (111) texture. The crystallite size was of 10–16 nm, indicating the formation of nanocrystalline structure. TiN concentration, duty cycle and frequency could influence the amount of TiN particle and W element in the coating, then regulating hardness and anti-wear behaviors. The low duty cycle and long deposition time could diminish the roughness of the coating. The inclusion of TiN nanoparticles in the nickel matrix could promote the nucleation of fresh nickel crystals and restrict the growth of already formed nickel grains, favoring the homogeneous growth and grain refinement of Ni-W crystals. The doped TiN particles would favor the preferred orientation (111) plane, enhanced the hardness, wear and corrosion resistance of Ni-W alloy. Electrochemical results illustrated that the best corrosion-resistant properties of the nanocrystalline coating could be obtained at TiN 30 g L−1, duty cycle of 20% and frequency of 60–200 Hz. The enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Ni–W/TiN coating benefits its application in harsh corrosive environment.