Nanocomposite Ni–TiO2coatings produced by pulsed electroplating

Nanocomposite Ni–TiO2 coatings were prepared on mild steel substrate by pulse electroplating with controlled duty cycle and frequency. A systematic study of Ni–xTiO2 coatings with different TiO2 concentrations (x = 0–20 g L−1) has been conducted. The coatings were characterised using SEM, XRD, microhardness and wear tests. It was found that incorporation of TiO2 particles decreased the grain size and improved the mechanical property of Ni coatings. The mechanical properties of Ni–TiO2 coatings increased to the optimum value when the concentration of TiO2 powder was 10 g L−1. The effect of TiO2 nanoparticle concentration on the surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical property of pulse electroplated coatings was discussed.