Pulse Electrocodeposited Ni-WC Composite Coating

In the present work, tungsten carbide (WC) particulate of average size 10 mu m were electrocodeposited in the nickel metal matrix, to form metal matrix composite (MMC) coating over the EN8 steel substrate. The electrodeposition of Ni-WC particulate composite coating was carried out using the Watt's bath under the influence of varying current density and duty cycle. It was found that current density of 0.02 A/cm(2) was sufficient to start the codeposition kinetics. But, good quality of electrodeposition was obtained at a current density of 0.04 A/cm(2). The WC particulate entrapment and distribution of WC particles in Ni matrix according the variation in experimental parameters has been reported. The dense and compact microstructure was obtained at a current density of 0.04 A/cm(2) and duty cycle of 30%. Microhardness and corrosion resistance properties of composite coating were also evaluated and reported.