Researchers Improve Corrosion Resistance with Ni Co Cu Coating
Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
07 Dec, 2021, 4:58 am`
Due to its decent mechanical qualities and low cost, high-strength carbon steel is frequently employed in maritime engineering. However, its low corrosion resistance in even moderate operating settings restricts its applicability. Corrosion may reduce load-bearing capacity by lowering its overall size or by pitting, resulting in massive economic losses and accidents. Preservative coating or lamination is the most widely used anti-corrosive technology among contemporary corrosion prevention technologies, which include cathodic shielding, anti-corrosive materials, and coating. One of the most industrially feasible and cost-effective processes for producing metallic, alloy, and metal matrix nanoscale composite coatings is electrodeposition. Nickel is a popular type of electroplating metal. Primary drawbacks of electrodeposited Ni include its poor firmness and limited resistance to wear.
Chinese researchers in an article published in the journal Materials Chemistry and Physics described a unique method of improving the anti-corrosive properties of carbon steel. In this study, the super-hydrophobic Ni–Co/Cu composite coating was fabricated on carbon steel substrate by electrochemical deposition, chemical oxidation and surface modification. Their surface morphologies, structures and wetting properties were studied by SEM, XRD and contact angle measurements. The results shows that the as-prepared coating has super-hydrophobic property with a water contact angle of 158.61 degrees. After the immersion test in seawater for 350?h, the super-hydrophobic Ni–Co/Cu composite coating shows a good durability of the hydrophobic property. The electrochemical tests indicate that the as-prepared super-hydrophobic coating exhibits excellent corrosion protection for carbon steel compared with Ni–Co and Ni–Co/Cu coating. This study developed a novel approach to improve the corrosion resistance of carbon steel.
Researchers have created Ni-based nanoscale composite coatings, such as Ni-CeO2 coating, to increase the performance of nickel coatings. Making numerous alloy coatings is another way to improve the performance of Ni coating. Because of its great wear and corrosion resistance, the nickel-cobalt alloy layer created via electrochemical deposition is critical for protecting carbon steel. Ni-Co alloy coatings are also more corrosion resistant than Ni coatings. The inclusion of cobalt atoms causes a deformation of the solid solute framework and a decrease in porosity, which increases the coating's corrosion resistance. However, the presence of defects such as pinholes and hemp points calls for further enhancement of the surface quality and anti-corrosive behavior of nickel-cobalt coatings. Ni-Co ultra-hydrophobic lamination has piqued the curiosity of many in recent years due to its ability to prevent corrosive media from penetrating and provide superior corrosion protection. It is generally recognized that the most important variables in forming a super-hydrophobic surface are unique nanostructures and minimal surface energy. By altering the surface using organic compounds such as 1-dodecanethiol and silane, low surface energy may be readily achieved.
The researchers used electrodeposition, chemical oxidation, and surface adjustment to create an ultra-hydrophobic Ni-Co/Cu nanocomposite lamination that can be applied on carbon steel surfaces. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and water contact angle assessments were used to investigate the surface properties, structures, and wetting characteristics. Results showed that the water contact angle had increased to 158.61°, indicating an ultra-hydrophobic character.
The Ni-Co/Cu ultra-hydrophobic lamination was created on a carbon steel substrate using a two-step electroplating process and dodecanethiol modification to increase corrosion resistance. The findings demonstrated that this approach might increase the protective capacity of Ni-Co coatings by inhibiting hostile media from contacting the substrate, confirming the technology's appealing practical potential in maritime environments. This technology offers a novel way to enhance the effectiveness of Ni-Co coatings.