Microfabrication and Characterization of High Tensile Strength SiC Whisker-Reinforced Nickel Composite Coatings by Electrodeposition

Abstract

Metal matrix composite materials with SiC whiskers are considered as the reinforcement materials for the future electronic devices. However, today, these materials are mostly produced at high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) environments, these procedures are not only costly but may also alter the microstructure. In order to explore an economically more viable approach of fabrication of multilayer movable complicated microstructures, SiC whiskers-reinforced nickel matrix composites (Ni/SiCw) coatings were prepared by electrolytic co-deposition method. The surface morphology and mechanical properties of the electrodeposited coatings, fabricated in both absence and presence of SiC whisker, were studied. Morphology studies showed a homogenous presence of the whisker intercalated at the surface of the nickel matrix; this was further confirmed from the results of XPS and TEM, which also demonstrated that the insertion of the whisker went from the surface to inside. Moreover, it was found that the embedded whiskers significantly affect mechanical properties of the composite coatings: the ultimate tensile strength of Ni/SiCw composite was 2.6 times higher than that of pure Ni, and the elastic modulus improved by 42% with 0.8 g/L of SiC whiskers in the bath. These results reveal the promising potential of electrodeposited metal-SiC whiskers composite materials for micro-mechanical devices application.

Study on the preparation of silicon carbide from carbon in waste cathodes

“…After the nucleation reaction is complete, the SiC growth occurs via reactions (10) and (11). Figure 12 shows that the Gibbs free energy of reaction (10) at temperatures between 1400 °C and 1600 °C is greater than 0, indicating that the reaction cannot proceed spontaneously. The Gibbs free energy of reaction (11) is negative, indicating that the reaction can proceed spontaneously.…”

“…SiC is chemically stable and resistant to high temperature, corrosion and oxidation as well as has high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion and high hardness. It is widely used in several fields as abrasives, hightemperature heat-conducting materials and steel-making aids [8][9][10][11]. Recently, research on the synthesis methods, functional properties (photoelectromagnetic properties) and applications of SiC materials has received widespread attention and has become one of the hot spots in the field of materials science for enabling their wide use.…”

Application of Ni/SiCw Composite Material in MEMS Microspring

“…Applying the structural parameters of W-form microspring that former scholars optimized and designed (such as the length, minimum line width, and thickness of the W-form microspring) and replacing the conventional electrodeposited nickel with high-strength Ni/SiCw composite materials, this study aimed to increase the mechanical properties of microsprings and provide a frame of reference and guidance for improving the stable cyclic operating life for such flat springs. Combining the successfully developed silicon carbide whisker reinforced nickel (Ni/SiCw) composite material preparation technology [ 35 , 36 ] in the early stage and integrating with the UV-LIGA technology flow, the study focused on the integrated manufacturing of high-aspect-ratio Ni/SiCw-based microsprings and tested and characterized their mechanical properties, as well as observed and analyzed the cross-sectional morphology of tensile testing. In addition, the influence of heat treatment at 300 °C and 600 °C on the tensile properties and microstructure of the composite coating is comprehensively discussed.…”

Structural Features and Functional Properties of Y2O3 Reinforced Nickel Matrix Nanocomposites

“…[1,2] Electroplating of nickel results into coatings having minimum internal stress, high abrasion and wear resistance and thus are suitable for engineering applications. [1,3,4] Because of its plastic workability, hard and corrosion resistant nature, it has been most commonly preferred for the production of metal matrix composites (MMCs). Nickel composites have paved their path in broad range of applications for example; electronic circuits, aerospace, protective coatings, defense and petrochemical industry etc.…”

“…Electrodeposition method is one of the most widely used methods for preparing metals, alloys and composites because of its technologically feasible and economic nature . Electroplating of nickel results into coatings having minimum internal stress, high abrasion and wear resistance and thus are suitable for engineering applications . Because of its plastic workability, hard and corrosion resistant nature, it has been most commonly preferred for the production of metal matrix composites (MMCs).…”