Oxidation characteristics of electrodeposited nickel–zirconia composites at high temperature

Oxidation behavior of electrodeposited nickel and Ni–ZrO2 (9.9 vol%) composite was studied using a thermogravimetric technique. The weighed sample was oxidized in air for 2–8 h in the electric furnace at 873, 1073 and 1173 K. After predetermined time of oxidation, the specimens were removed and weighed after sufficient cooling. From the weight gain, time of oxidation and temperature, the kinetics of Ni and Ni–ZrO2 oxidation process, oxidation rate constant and the activation energy were determined. The structure and distribution of ZrO2 particles in the electrocomposites were examined using scanning electron microcopy. To explore the possible structural changes during oxidation, X-ray diffraction was used.