Effect of Pulse Electrical Parameters on the Microstructure and Performance of Ni-TiN Nanocoatings Prepared by Pulse Electrodeposition Technique

In order to systematically study the effects of electrodeposition parameters on the surface morphology, microstructure, mechanical properties, and abrasion resistance of metal matrix nanocoatings, pulse electrodeposited Ni-TiN nanocoatings were prepared; tests including scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and friction wear testing machine were performed. The results indicate that the Ni-TiN nanocoatings produced at 4 A/dm(2) showed excellent micro-hardness value as high as 984.6 HV and at a TiN content of 8.65 wt%. The Ni-TiN nanocoatings fabricated at different pulse frequencies showed a (fcc) structure in different orientations. The average size of the Ni and TiN particles contained in the Ni-TiN nanocoatings manufactured at a 200 Hz pulse frequency was 87.1 +/- 0.2 nm and 34.4 +/- 0.2 nm, respectively. The micro-hardness and average abrasion loss of Ni-TiN nanocoatings produced at a 20% pulse duty cycle were 984.1 HV and 8.78 mg/mm(2), respectively. In addition, the Ni-TiN nanocoating deposited with G-1 parameters (current density of 4 A/dm(2), pulse frequency of 800 Hz, and pulse duty cycle of 20%) showed an uniform, fine, and compact microstructure.