Microstructure and corrosion behavior of Ti nanoparticles reinforced Ni–Ti composite coatings by electrodeposition

Abstract A survey on electrochemical codeposition of Ti nanoparticles in Ni matrix coating is given. The influences of Ti nanoparticle loadings in electrolyte on the microstructure, microhardness and corrosion behavior of Ni–Ti coatings were investigated. The results showed that a pyramidal surface structure evolved into a spherical surface structure of the coatings with increasing Ti nanoparticle loading. The content of Ti in the Ni–Ti coatings first increased and reached the maximum value of 7.1 vol.% at the loading of 16 g/L, then decreased due to agglomeration of nanoparticles. The [2 0 0] preferred orientation gradually evolved to [1 1 1] orientation with increasing Ti nanoparticle loading. At Ti nanoparticle loading of 16 g/L, the minimum crystallite size (44 nm) and maximum microstrain (0.25%) were obtained. The microhardness of the Ni–Ti coatings was improved and obtained the maximum value at the loading of 16 g/L. The anti-corrosion behavior of the Ni–Ti coatings had increased trend with increasing Ti nanoparticle loading. The pitting corrosion and the selective dissolution of Ti nanoparticles happened in corrosion of Ni–Ti coating electrodeposited at the loading of 16 g/L in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.