Study of the mechanical and structural properties of Zn–Ni–Co ternary alloy electroplating

• Published in: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Vol. 7; no. 6; pp. 787 - 792
• Main Authors: Dikici, T., Culha, O., Toparli, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.11.2010; Springer
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion and Coatings; Exact sciences and technology; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; Metallic coatings; Metals. Metallurgy; Polymer Sciences; Production techniques; Surface treatment; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Tribology; Atomic force microscopy (AFM); Coating materials; Chemical synthesis; Mechanical properties and microstructure; Ternary alloy; Mechanical properties; Zinc plating; Surface topography; Steel; Hardness; Experimental study; Metal coating; Morphology; Preparation; Cobalt alloy; Electrodeposition; Nickel alloy
• ISSN: 1547-0091; 1945-9645; 1935-3804
• DOI: 10.1007/s11998-010-9250-9

Ternary zinc–nickel–cobalt alloys were electrodeposited on steel substrates from sulfate bath by direct current. Microstructural and mechanical properties of Zn–Ni–Co ternary alloy coatings were investigated and contrasted with the characteristics of Zn–Ni and Zn–Co alloy coatings. It was found that the obtained Zn–Ni–Co alloy exhibited more preferred surface morphology and mechanical properties as compared to the other alloy coatings electroplated at the same conditions. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the deposits of Zn–Ni–Co alloy coatings consisted of Zn, ZnNi 3 , and ZnCo 13 phases. The structure, surface morphology, and surface topography of the deposited alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, hardness, elasticity modulus, and adhesion strength of coated alloys were measured with dynamic ultra-microhardness (DUH) and Scratch tester.