Effect of electrodeposition conditions on the properties of Cu–Si3N4 composite coatings

•Cu–Si3N4 composite coatings were prepared using direct electroplating.•Effects of SDS concentration, stirring rate and particle concentration on the incorporation of Si3N4 particles into the copper matrix were investigated.•Effect of Si3N4 particles on the microstructure of the coatings was studied.•Effect of Si3N4 particles on the microhardness and the wear resistance of the coatings were determined.•Cu–Si3N4 composite coatings presented decreased friction coefficient and wear loss compared with the pure copper coating. Cu–Si3N4 composite coatings were obtained by co-electrodeposition under DC conditions from a copper sulphate bath containing suspended Si3N4 particles. The effect of some electroplating parameters such as surfactant (SDS) concentration, stirring rate, and particle concentration on microstructural and mechanical properties of the coatings was investigated. The incorporation of Si3N4 particles into the copper matrix resulted in the production of coatings with finer copper grains. The incorporation of Si3N4 particles also led to a change of the preferred growth orientation of copper grains from (200) to (220) crystal face. Cu–Si3N4 composite coatings presented lower friction coefficient and wear loss than pure copper deposit due to the increased hardness related to grain refinement strengthening and dispersion strengthening.