Field-enhanced co-electrodeposition of zirconia particles with a magnetic shell during Ni electrodeposition

A new method based on the attraction of ferromagnetic materials has been developed to increase the amount of co-electrodeposited second-phase particles in composite coatings. For this, ZrO2 particles were coated with electroless nickel coating which is used as a magnetic shell. The application of a magnetic field in co-electrodeposition of these particles in Ni deposit increases the amount of incorporated particles. Attraction between ferromagnetic electroplated Ni coating and magnetized particles was recognized as the reason for this higher incorporation.