Preparation and interface mechanical performance of Ni-graphene-diamond dicing blade considering noncoherent phase boundary effects

• Published in: Diamond and related materials Vol. 142; p. 110830
• Main Authors: Ma, Kaiqiang, Zhang, Lan, Ma, Huizhong, Li, Na
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2024
• Subjects: COMSOL; Electroplated diamond blade; Graphene reinforced Ni matrix; Interface effects; Interfacial elastic modulus; Noncoherent phase boundary; Graphene reinforced Ni matrix; Interface effects; Electroplated diamond blade; Noncoherent phase boundary; COMSOL; Interfacial elastic modulus
• ISSN: 0925-9635; 1879-0062
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2024.110830

In this study, the wear resistance of diamond dicing blades can be enhanced by electrodepositing a Ni-graphene coating. We prepared Ni-Gr (graphene)-diamond blades through composite electrodeposition in a nickel electrolyte containing varying concentrations of graphene. The microstructure of the composite coating was investigated using characterization techniques, while the deposition of the Ni-Gr was studied using commercial modeling software, namely the COMSOL® electrochemical module. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the pathways leading to the development of high-quality dicing blades. The results obtained from the COMSOL® simulations unveil the influence of graphene particles and cathode conditions on the microstructure and performance of the composite coating. Our experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of graphene induces modifications in the texture of the Ni matrix, resulting in the emergence of a noncoherent phase boundary. This effect can be attributed to the preferential formation of nucleation sites at heterogeneous interfaces, which were facilitated by the embedding of graphene, resulting in non-uniform nucleation. Furthermore, to explore the mechanical properties of said noncoherent phase boundary, graphene electrodes were prepared using discharge plasma sintering, resulting in, a pure 20 μm thick Ni coating electrodeposited onto the graphene electrode. Micro-nano testing techniques using different peak loads at 25 °C were employed to analyze the mechanical behavior of the graphene substrate, Ni-Gr interface, and Ni phase. Nanoindentation testing revealed an interface adhesion strength of 12.89 N between the graphene substrate and the Ni coating. Indentation experiments in the Ni-Gr interface demonstrated that the elastic moduli of the interface were 23.91 GPa and 28.72 GPa at 20 mN and 300 mN loads, respectively. Additionally, the elastic moduli of the graphene phase was approximately between 6.25 % and 5.56 % that of the Ni phase. [Display omitted] •Diamond and graphene tailored Ni matrix nanocomposite coatings were electroplated.•The incoherent phase boundary formed between Ni and graphene play vital role in microstructure.•Graphene particle distorted electric field lines to control grain growth direction.•Heterogeneous nucleation and current density concentrated on graphene led to alterations in texture orientation.•COMSOL simulation reflected the electroplating condition distorted by cathode rotation.