Electrodeposition of Homogeneous and Functionally Graded Ni-Co/SiC Nanostructured Coatings: Erosion, Wear, and Corrosion Behavior

Saadatbakhsh, Meisam; Lari Baghal, Seyed Mohamad; Gheisari, Khalilollah

doi:10.22050/ijogst.2025.532097.1745

Electrodeposition of Homogeneous and Functionally Graded Ni-Co/SiC Nanostructured Coatings: Erosion, Wear, and Corrosion Behavior

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Meisam Saadatbakhsh ¹ ^¶

seyed mohamad Lari Baghal ²

Khalilollah Gheisari ²

¹ PhD Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22050/ijogst.2025.532097.1745

Abstract

In this study, nanostructured homogeneous and functionally graded (FG) Ni-Co/SiC coatings were fabricated on aluminum substrates via electrodeposition using a square pulse current. The FG coating was produced by continuously varying the concentration of SiC particles (0–40 g/L) in the electrolyte, resulting in a graded particle distribution across the coating thickness. The microstructure and morphology of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical and electrochemical properties were evaluated through microhardness testing, T-peel adhesion testing, pin-on-disk wear testing, erosion testing, and potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the SiC content in the FG coating gradually increased from 0 wt.% at the substrate interface to 6 wt.% at the surface. Compared to the homogeneous Ni-Co/SiC coatings, the FG coating demonstrated 40% higher adhesion strength and twice the wear resistance. Additionally, the FG coating exhibited improved corrosion resistance and overall mechanical performance, highlighting its potential for demanding industrial applications.

Highlights

· Functionally graded Ni–Co/SiC coatings exhibit 40% higher adhesion strength and approximately twofold greater wear resistance compared with homogeneous coatings.

· A graded SiC distribution ranging from 0 to 6 wt.% enhances interfacial bonding, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

· The Ni–Co/SiC tribolayer coating promotes stable sliding wear behavior, thereby significantly improving durability in industrial environments.

Keywords

Corrosion

Functionally graded coatings

Nanostructure

Ni-Co/SiC

Wear

Subjects

Material Engineering

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