Microstructural, Electrochemical, and Mechanical Characterization of Ni‐Matrix Composites Reinforced With Simultaneous SiC–WC Ceramic Phases

ABSTRACT

Pure nickel and Ni/SiC–WC composite coatings were synthesized by electrodeposition technique in an ethylene glycol solvent containing boric acid as an additive. Powder x‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) was employed to identify phase constitution and evaluate grain refinement resulting from simultaneous SiC–WC particles incorporation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology and particle distribution, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) provided quantitative surface topography and roughness analysis. The mechanical performance of the coatings was assessed using a Vickers microhardness tester to correlate microstructural refinement with hardness enhancement due to incorporation of reinforcement particles having extremely high microhardness. The composite coatings exhibited finer grain structure, more homogeneous surfaces, improved corrosion resistance and significantly higher hardness than pure nickel coatings, attributed to effective particles codeposition and dispersion‐strengthening effects. These results confirmed that ethylene glycol–based electro‐codeposition of SiC–WC particles within nickel matrix, provides a technically robust and efficient route for the fabrication of advanced nickel‐based composite coatings with enhanced structural and mechanical performance.