Electrodeposited Ni–Fe–Cr2O3 nanocomposite coatings: A survey of influences of Cr2O3 nanoparticles loadings in the electrolyte

Abstract This work is concentrated on evaluating the relationship between concentrations of embedded Cr2O3 nanoparticles in the electrolyte and tribomechanical and corrosion properties of Ni–Fe alloy matrix coating what is a point of weakness in a vast majority of practical papers in this field. In addition, the paper assesses the changes in the phase structure and morphological features of Ni–Fe alloy coatings with inclusion of the nanoparticles and draws a meaningful interplay between these features and tribomechanical and corrosion properties of the deposits. The coatings were electrodeposited from a sulphate bath using direct current (DC). The results confirm that an incorporation of Cr2O3 nanoparticles can lead to improved properties, however the best outcome achieved when 6 g/L Cr2O3 nanoparticles incorporated into the electrolyte since the highest amount of the reinforcements embedded in the microstructure of deposits. According to the results, microhardness and charge transfer resistance of the alloy deposits increased by 170 HV and 22 kΩ cm2, respectively. On the other hand, the average coefficient of friction decreased by 0.15.