Effect of plasma nitriding on electrodeposited Ni–Al composite coating

In this study plasma nitriding is applied on nickel–aluminum composite coating, deposited on steel substrate. Ni–Al composite layers were fabricated by electro-deposition process in Watt’s bath containing Al particles. Electrodeposited specimens were subjected to plasma atmosphere comprising of N2–20% H2, at 500°C, for 5h.

The surface morphology investigated, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface roughness was measured by use of contact method. Chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and formation of AlN phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistance of composite coatings was measured by potentiodynamic polarization in 3.5% NaCl solution.

The obtained results show that plasma nitriding process leads to an increase in microhardness and corrosion resistance, simultaneously.