Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Preparation of Ni–Cr Dual Wrapped ZTA Particles for Reinforced Iron‐Based Composites

Abstract

The surface metallization of ZTA particles with Ni–Cr coatings is performed to enhance the wettability of ZTA reinforced high manganese steel (HMS) matrix composites. Well‐proportioned and continuous Ni–Cr coated ZTA particles (ZTAp@Ni–Cr) are prepared by choline chloride‐ethylene glycol (ChCl‐EG) ionic liquid‐assisted electroless plating method. The Ni(CH3COO)2‐containing activator is used in the pretreatment process and the effects of CrCl3 concentration, ChCl‐EG concentration, temperature, ZTA concentration, and deposition times on the plating process are investigated systematically. The results show that the formation of Ni active sites on ZTA surface by Ni(CH3COO)2 activation pretreatment can efficiently simplify operation and lower cost compared with the SnCl2 sensitization‐AgNO3 activation method. By controlling experimental condition, uniform Ni–Cr layers with a thickness of 7.96–30.84 µm can be obtained and the Cr element content is about 6.31 at%. Additionally, ZTAp@Ni–Cr reinforced HMS matrix composite are fabricated without crack, shrink, and pore at the interface by non‐pressure casting infiltration method. The formation of an interface layer about 17.61 µm and the diffusion of element Ni and Cr between ZTA phase and HMS matrix can greatly reinforce the interfacial bonding strength of the ZTAp@Ni–Cr reinforced HMS matrix composite.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-ZTA cermet prepared by vacuum hot-pressed sintering

“…Figure 2(c) is a schematic view of the surface electroless plating of ZTA particles, ZTA is sensitized and activated prior to electroless nickel plating. In the initial stage, the ZTA particle surface can form Ni active sites at these protrusions and boundaries because of the presence of more protrusions and boundaries [16]. Ni atoms can be adsorbed at these positions.…”

Research Progress in Ceramic–Metal Composites: Designing Interface Structures for High Mechanical Performance

“…In contrast to simple nickel deposition processes, nickelchromium dual layer coatings on ceramic particle surfaces can be obtained by electroless plating or multi-arc ion plating. [124] Li's group used electroless plating and multi-arc ion plating techniques to coat Ni-Cr bilayer coatings on the surface of ZTA particles to prepare Ni-Cr coated ZTA particles. [125] The coated ZTA particles had a core-shell structure, in which the ZTA particles were the core, the Ni layer was the inner shell, and the Cr layer was the outer shell.…”

Computational and experimental investigation on mechanical behavior of zirconia toughened alumina and nickel powder reinforced EN31 based composite material

“…The common surface treatment methods include ion beam sputtering, electroless plating, spraying, chemical vapor deposition, etc. [4–11] However, among all electroless plating proves to be an effective way to enhance the bonding ability between metal and zirconia toughened alumina [12, 13]. In the present study, Ni powder has been used to enhance the wettability of zirconia toughened alumina particles with EN 31 steel as well as for improving the mechanical properties of the composite.…”