Studies on electrodeposition, microstructure and physical properties of Ni-Fe/In2O3 nanocomposite

Abstract

In2O3 nanoparticles (<100 nm) up to 5 wt% are incorporated into Ni-Fe alloy matrix by electrodeposition which enhance both corrosion resistance and hardness. Plating parameters like current density, concentration of metal ions and In2O3 particles, agitation and the temperature of the bath were optimized to achieve acceptable quality of the coatings. Effect of current density on the development of Ni-Fe/In2O3 nanocomposites and their physical properties was mainly studied. Coatings thus obtained were characterized by SEM-EDAX, XRD, TEM and AFM and surface morphology, crystal structure, microhardness, corrosion resistance, magnetic behavior and electrical resistivity of the nanocomposites were studied. The incorporation of conducting In2O3 particles in a alloy matrix resulted in a higher electrical conductivity than the matrix. X-ray diffraction results showed that the incorporation of In2O3 particles does not affect the Ni-Fe alloy fcc structure but alters the texture of the deposits favoring (111) crystallographic orientation and is independent of the applied current density for deposition. The crystallite size of the nanocomposites is found in the range of 5-13 nm with almost negligible strain. © 2015 The Electrochemical Society.