Effect of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles on microstructure, corrosion resistance and hardness of Ni–W/CeO₂ composite coatings

Abstract

Ni–W, Ni–W/CeO2 and Ni–W/CeO2–Y2O3 coatings were created by the electroplating method. The microstructure and chemical composition of the coatings were examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The phase composition was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical test was performed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. The average hardness values of the coatings were also determined. The results showed that Y2O3 particles considerably increased the corrosion resistance of the Ni–W/CeO2 composite coating. The microhardness evaluations revealed that the highest hardness value was obtained for the Ni–W/CeO2–Y2O3-coated Cu.