Pulse electrodepsoited Ni-Cu/TiN-ZrO2 nanocomposite coating: microstructural and electrochemical properties

Ni-Cu/TiN-ZrO2 nanocomposite coating was pulse electrodeposited by incorporation of Cu, TiN and ZrO2 simultaneously in Ni deposits from a citrate bath in the presence of additives. The surface morphology, structural and electrochemical properties of Ni-Cu/TiN-ZrO2 nanocomposite coating were evaluated. Results illustrated that the nanocomposite coating exhibits nodular-like structure with aggregated granules dispersed on its surface. The anti-corrosion performance of Ni-Cu deposits could be reinforced much by incorporation of TiN-ZrO2 nanoparticles. The surface of the coating contains Ni, Cu, Ti, Zr, O and C elements and indicates the formation of the oxide layer. The corrosion resistance of the nanocomposite coating is not only dependent on the current density and duty cycle, but also their combination. The Ni-Cu/TiN-ZrO2 nanocomposite coating electrodeposited at duty cycle of 70% and current density of 4 A dm−2 has the highest anti-corrosion performance. In comparison with duty cycle and current density, the effect of frequency on corrosion resistance is not much.