Electrochemical Properties and XPS Analysis of Ni-B/SiC Nanocomposite Coatings

Few studies have reported the electrochemical properties and XPS analysis of Ni-B/SiC nanocomposite coatings with high wear resistance prepared by electro-co-deposition. In this study, Ni-B/SiC nanocomposite coating was prepared by electrodeposition using trimethylamine borane as boron source in a Ni-B electrolyte containing dispersed SiC nanoparticles. The corrosion resistance and anti-wear properties of the Ni-B/SiC composite coating were examined. XPS was employed to analyze the element electronic state of the coating surface. The results show that the corrosion resistance of the Ni-B/SiC composite coating was enhanced which may be related to the dense structure, barrier effect and the reduction in the active surface area of Ni-B matrix by the presence of inert SiC particles. The XPS analysis indicated that the as-deposited coating contains metallic nickel, oxide or hydroxide nickel, and the SiC particles. Ni-B/SiC nanocomposite coating with dense structure shows superior anti-corrosion and wear resistance than Ni-B and Ni/SiC coatings.