Characterization and Properties of Ni-W-ZrO₂ Composite Coating by Ultrasonic Electrodeposition

Ni-W-ZrO₂ composite coating was prepared on N80 steel plate by composite electrodeposition in the Ni-W bath with ZrO₂ nanoparticles. The microstructure of the coating was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the micro-hardness of the coating was measured as well. The results showed that the optimum working current density of composite electrodeposition was 1.5A/dm². Lower current density will cause the nonuniform coating, and higher current density will cause the coating to crack. The addition of ZrO₂ nanoparticles in the composite coating significantly improved the micro-hardness of the coating. When the concentration of ZrO₂ nanoparticles in the bath was 10 g/L, the surface of the composite coating was more compact and the micro-hardness was higher. (paper)