Fabrication and optimization of Ni-W/ZrO2-CeO2 composite coating for enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance

Ni-W/ZrO 2 -CeO 2 composite coating has been fabricated via pulse electrodeposition. The structure, morphology, composition and the operating parameters of the nanocomposite coating were evaluated and optimized for the enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance. It illustrated that the deposited coatings are dense, crack-free with nodular or granular structure. The average current density of 4–6 A dm −2 , duty cycle of 70% is beneficial to the finer structure and higher content of nanoparticles in deposits. The average roughness, crystallite size and growth rate of the composite coating was examined. The hardness as a function of duty cycle, current density and deposition time were investigated. The optimal parameters for the improved performance of the composites were given. It was illustrated that the reinforcing particle phase had been uniformly co-deposited in the coating. The embedded ZrO 2 and CeO 2 particles could enhance the corrosion resistance and hardness of Ni-W metallic matrix. Ni-W/ZrO 2 -CeO 2 nanocomposite coatings possess higher performance in aggressive environment and exhibit great application values.