The Effects of Sonication on Electrodeposited Nickel-based Carbon Nanotube Composite Coatings

摘要

Ni-based carbon nanotube (CNT) composite coatings have low friction and wear resistance properties improved by codepositing CNTs in the matrix. However, there are some large nodules on the surface of the Ni-CNT composite coatings because of codepositing large CNT aggregates in Ni matrix. The purpose of this study was to improve the surface roughness of the Ni-CNT composite coatings. For the purpose, two kinds of ultrasonic assisted electroplating using bath sonication method or horn sonication method were proposed. As a result, horn sonication method could effectively decrease the nodule on the coating and improve the surface roughness. The surface roughness of 0.1 μm Ra was obtained. Carbon component of the coating formed with bath sonication was 15at%. The component of the coatings formed with horn sonication was 45at%. Horn sonication increased CNTs concentration in the coatings three times compared with bath sonication.