Properties of Ni–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings by electroplating

The microstructure, microhardness and wear property of electroplated Ni–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings with different ZrO2 concentration were analyzed using SEM, microhardness and wear tests. It was found that in the composite coatings, incorporation of ZrO2 particles improves the mechanical property of Ni coatings and the effect of ZrO2 nanoparticles concentration on the surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical property of electroplated coatings was discussed. The mechanical properties of Ni–ZrO2 coatings reach the optimum value when the ZrO2 concentration is 10 g/L.