Development and characterization of electro deposited Nickel–Titanium Carbo Nitride (TiCN) metal matrix nanocomposite deposits

The effects of electrochemical parameters on the development of Nickel–Titanium Carbo Nitride (TiCN) metal matrix nanocomposite deposits were studied in Watts type nickel bath. The extent of TiCN incorporation into nickel matrix was studied with respect to TiCN particle concentration ranged between 2 and 15 g l− 1, current density ranging from 2 to 10 Ad m− 2, bath pH from 2 to 5 and a bath temperature range of 30–70 °C. Effects of TiCN particle incorporation on surface morphology, crystal structure, micro hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the composite deposits were studied. It was found that the incorporation of TiCN particles in the composite deposit increased with increasing TiCN content in the bath. Operating the bath with 6 g l− 1 TiCN particle concentrations at 4 Ad m− 2, at 50 °C, and at pH 4 gave about 23.9 vol.% TiCN incorporation in the composite deposit. The results showed that the codeposition of TiCN particles with nickel modified the surface morphology of nickel and its preferred orientation. The Ni–TiCN composite deposits showed better corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and high hardness and wear resistance than nickel electrodeposited under the same conditions.