Improved microstructure and wear resistance of Ni-Co-La2O3 composite coatings via magnetic field-assisted jet electrodeposition
Shankui Wang, Hui FanPurpose
Nickel based composite coatings are widely used in industrial components but conventional jet electrodeposition often suffers from poor uniformity and low nanoparticle incorporation limiting their mechanical and tribological performance This paper aims to optimize the fabrication of Ni-Co-La2O3 nanocomposite coatings via magnetic field assisted jet electrodeposition with the goal of enhancing coating quality and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Ni-Co-La2O3 coatings were prepared under varied La2O3 concentrations 10–20 g/L and magnetic field conditions by using a magnetic field assisted jet electrodeposition setup. The coatings were characterized via SEM, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microhardness testing and pin on disc tribometry. The effects of magnetic field and La2O3 concentration on microstructure elemental distribution hardness and wear resistance were analyzed.
Findings
When 0.5T magnetic field and 15 g/L La2O3 concentration were applied, the resulting composite coating achieved optimal performance with a refined grain size of 13.9 nm, a peak microhardness of 580 HV, a minimized friction coefficient of 0.326 and wear rate of 22 mg/min. This performance enhancement originates from the synergistic effect of the magnetic field which homogenizes nanoparticle distribution and La2O3 dispersion strengthening which refines grains and acts as load-bearing/defect-filling phases.
Originality/value
This work validates magnetic field assisted jet electrodeposition as a viable strategy for fabricating high performance Ni-Co-La2O3 coatings with the optimized process and parameters providing a practical reference for industrial components such as automotive parts mechanical tools requiring enhanced wear resistance.