(540j) Evaluating the Performance of Ni-P-ZrO2 Nanocomposite Coatings Fabricated through Pulse Electrodeposition.

Corrosion is the major challenge faced by many industries like marine, automobile, oil and gas industry Nickel Phosphorus based coatings are extensively studies to mitigate the corrosion due to its improved corrosion resistance. In this study, NiP-ZrO₂ nanocomposite coatings containing various concentrations of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (ZONPs) were deposited on steel by pulse electrodeposition by owing to its advantages like such as ease of processing, compositional control, uniformity in structure and grain refinement. To formulate NiP-ZrO₂ nanocomposite coatings, various concentration namely 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 g/L of ZONPs were introduced in the electrolytic bath. In order to elucidate the role of ZONPs on the NiP matrix, its structural characteristics, morphology, mechanical, and electrochemical properties were studied thoroughly. FESEM results show the successful integration of ZONPs into the NiP matrix for cities. XRD and XPS analysis suggests the development of a pure NiP structure with apparently defect less. Increase in the amount of ZONPs showed a significant improvement on the mechanical resistance of the nanocomposite coating as NiP-1.0ZrO₂ samples have the highest hardness value of 6.7Gpa and modulus of elasticity of 21.72 GPa. Electrochemical corrosion tests result shows that the corrosion resistance of the NiP-ZrO₂ coatings increase steadily with increasing ZONP concentration, reaching an eventual value ⁓ 5.8 kΩcm−2 at NiP-1.0ZrO2 compositions. These enhancements to the mechanical and electrochemical properties of NiP-ZrO2 coatings highlight their suitability for application in many industries.