Hardness variation and corrosion behavior of as-plated and annealed Cr–Ni alloy deposits electroplated in a trivalent chromium-based bath

Cr–Ni alloy deposits with various concentrations of Cr, Ni were obtained with different electroplating current densities in a plating bath containing trivalent chromium and divalent nickel ions. The Cr-rich alloy deposit with a very high hardness of 1150 Hv can be obtained by annealing at 700 °C for 30 min. These alloys displayed poor corrosion resistance due to through-deposit cracking during annealing. For optimal hardness and corrosion resistance, we recommend a sequential two-step electrodeposition with Ni-rich alloy electroplating followed by Cr-rich alloy electroplating, or Cr/Ni alloy electrodeposition, to create a protective coating.