Tribological behavior of a Ni matrix hybrid nanocomposite reinforced by titanium carbide nanoparticles during electro-codeposition

TiC nanoparticles (50 nm mean diameter) were successfully electro-codeposited with nickel to obtain Ni/nano-TiC hybrid nanocomposite layers on a 304L stainless steel support with increased properties of nanohardness and wear resistance. The effects of the TiC nanoparticles on the nickel matrix were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), the surface morphology, roughness and the chemical composition of the layers were determined. The layer thicknesses were analysed by SEM on the cross section of the samples, and the nanohardness was determined using the nanoindentation technique. Dry fretting wear behaviour of the obtained layers was investigated by a reciprocating ball-on-disk computer-controlled tribotester. The results show the better properties of hybrid Ni/nano-TiC composite layers.