Cu-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings prepared from sol-enhanced electrodeposition

摘要

A series of TiO2-modified Cu coatings were developed via a sol-enhanced electrodeposition process. The effect of TiO2 sol on the properties of fabricated Cu-TiO2 nanocomposites is studied. Phase composition and microstructures of Cu-TiO2 deposits were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties of the fabricated Cu-TiO2 coatings were also examined. The proper addition of TiO2 sol gives rise to refined coating surface with well-distributed TiO2 nanoparticles, leading to significantly enhanced properties. The microhardness and wear resistance of the Cu-TiO2 nanocomposite coating (12 mL/L TiO2 sol) upsurges owing to the strengthening effect of highly dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles. We also suggest that the excessive addition of TiO2 sol should be avoided as it will result in an inferior coating quality with a loose structure for the prepared Cu-TiO2 deposits.