Compositionally modulated microstructure in nano-layered Ni-P metallic glass composite coating prepared by electrodeposition

Nano-domain metallic glass (or also termed as nanoglass) is a different modality of amorphous solid. Here we present a NiP metallic glass coating with periodic glassy/nanocomposite layered construction by multi-phase pulsed electrodeposition. The multilayered structure was identified by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. There is a periodic layered structure, ~30 nm intervals with close dependence of elements distribution and crystallinity. The modulus mapping reveals ~95 GPa for loosely glassy interfacial regions and ~115 GPa for metallic glassy core regions. The NiP composite implies superior resistance to corrosion and wear. An interesting insight into architecture control is demonstrated, opening a new design for various nanoglasses coatings with potential industrial applications, such as a strong coating on electrocatalytic electrodes. •NiP nanoglass was prepared by multi-phase pulsed electrodeposition.•The multilayered elemental distribution and crystallinity was identified by TEM and APT.•Interfacial regions and core regions with different moduli were revealed by nanoidentation.