Preparation of Ni-TiC Nanocomposites by Electrolytic Codeposition from a Non Aqueous Bath and Their Characterization

Abstract

Nickel-titanium carbide (Ni-TiC) nanocomposite coatings were prepared under direct current conditions by codeposition of nano titanium carbide (TiC) particles (<200 nm) and nickel from a nickel acetate bath using N-methylformamide as a non aqueous solvent. Influence of current density, concentration of TiC particles, agitation and temperature of bath was investigated and the optimum values of these parameters for reaching maximum weight% incorporation of TiC particles in the coating were determined. Coatings morphology and chemical composition were characterized by SEM and EDAX analysis. Crystallographic structures and microhardness were investigated. Also it is seen that the existence of second ceramic phase in the co-deposited layer reduces the average crystallite size of Ni-matrix to 11.5 nm and the composite possessed fcc lattice. © 2012, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.