Synthesis and properties of Ni-W/ZrO2 nanocomposite coating fabricated by pulse electrodeposition

A novel ZrO2 ceramic particle reinforced Ni-W nanocomposite coating has been fabricated by pulse electrodeposition. The optimization of pulse duty cycle (r) for superior microhardness, corrosion-resisting properties as well as compact microstructure were performed. The morphology, structure, hardness and electrochemical behaviors of the deposited coating were examined. Results indicated that the coatings were dense, homogeneous and crack-free. The mean average roughness R-a was 50 nm. The hardness initially decreased and then enhanced with the increase of duty cycle. It was demonstrated that the optimal microhardness and anti-corrosion features of the fabricated coating with high amount of embedded ZrO2 could be obtained at the duty cycle of 60%.