Electrochemical deposition and tribological behaviour of Ni and Ni–Co metal matrix composites with SiC nano-particles

Metal matrix composites reinforced with nano-sized particles have attracted scientific and technological interest due to the enhanced properties exhibited by these coatings. Ni–SiC composites have gained widespread application for the protection of friction parts in the automobile industry. The influence of variables like SiC content, current density and stirring speed on microhardness of nano-composite coatings has been studied. The improved microhardness was associated with the reduction in crystallite size determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The influence of incorporation of nano-SiC in hardened Ni–Co alloy matrix was also studied. It was observed that for 28 wt.% Co content in the matrix the microhardness was higher compared to 70 wt.% for a given nano-SiC content. This was associated to the crystal phase of Ni–28Co–SiC being fcc compared to hcp phase exhibited by Ni–70Co–SiC. The wear resistance of pure Ni, Co and nano-composite coatings was studied using pin-on-disc wear tester under dry sliding condition. The volumetric wear loss indicated that, the wear resistance of Ni–SiC nano-composite is better than that of pure nickel deposit. The wear resistance of Ni–Co composites was observed to be superior to Ni composite. The wear behaviour of Ni and Ni–28Co composite was in accordance with the Archard's law. However, the superior wear characteristic exhibited by Ni–70Co–SiC composite followed the reverse Archard's behaviour.