Influence of surfactants on electrodeposition of a Ni-nanoparticulate SiC composite coating

The Effects of Additives, Particles Load and Current Density on Codeposition of SiC Particles in NiP Nanocomposite Coatings

“…Increasing particle concentration in the electrolyte can increase the incorporation of SiC particles by increasing the number of SiC particles that reach the cathode. Meanwhile, higher SiC particles concentration may lead to their agglomeration due to their poor wettability, which ends up lowering SiC incorporation as seen by Walsh et al [25]. It should be noticed that SiC particles that touched the cathode surface for a sufficient period can be successfully entrapped by growing the Ni matrix around it [16].…”

“…Finally, the microhardness of NiP coatings did not increase linearly by codeposition of SiC particles.Meanwhile, the amount and distribution of particles are related to electrodeposition parameters including particle characteristics (particle shape, size, concentration and surface charge), electrolyte composition (additives, surfactant type and concentration), pH and applied current (direct or pulsed current and current density) [17][18][19][20][21]. Several studies have reported the effect of process parameters on the amount of codeposited particles in the metal matrix [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. However, a low number of particles are usually codeposited in the case of nanoparticles, and they tend to agglomerate, which results in the poor mechanical behaviour of the coatings.…”

“…However, a low number of particles are usually codeposited in the case of nanoparticles, and they tend to agglomerate, which results in the poor mechanical behaviour of the coatings. Hence, increasing the amount of codeposition as well as improving the particle distribution in the matrix are the crucial issues that require further investigation.It is well known that introducing additives to the electrolyte affects the properties and appearance of deposits [20,22,25]. Additives can be categorised based on their application as grain refiners, levelling agents, and wetting agents or surfactants.…”

“…Additives can be categorised based on their application as grain refiners, levelling agents, and wetting agents or surfactants. Saccharin is a common brightening agent in the electrodeposition of nickel, which refines grains, inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction and reduces the internal stress of the coatings [25][26][27][28]. In previous studies, it was shown that the addition of saccharin significantly improves the cathode current efficiency of the NiP electrodeposition [29].…”

“…It is well known that introducing additives to the electrolyte affects the properties and appearance of deposits [20,22,25]. Additives can be categorised based on their application as grain refiners, levelling agents, and wetting agents or surfactants.…”