Abstract

Fabrication and Microhardness properties of SiC and Gr reinforced Ni-based nanocomposite thin film

Author(s): Abbas Fahami*, Bahman Nasiri-Tabrizi

Nickel based nanocomposite thin films were prepared from a Watts type electrolyte containing reinforcementÂ’s particles (SiC and Gr) to deposit on steel St-37 substrate. The effect of different bath temperatures was investigated to optimize high quality coatings. The experimental outcomes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDS), Elemental mapping analysis system, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Micro hardness tester. Based on XRD results, the main peaks in the samples were nickel, nickel oxide and SiC phases. Microscopic observations illustrated a cluster like structure which consisted of some fine sphere particles with an average particle size of about 65 nm. Results revealed that optimum bath parameters were the temperature of 45 (°C). The hardness of the coatings was also measured and found to be 412 to 543 (Hv) depending on the bath parameters and the reinforcements weight percentage (wt.%) in the Ni matrix. Ultimately, the results demonstrated that the electrochemical parameter had considerable influences on the morphology and mechanical properties of the NiSiCGr coatings.