Comparative studies of microstructural, tribological and corrosion properties of Zn-TiO2 and Zn-TiO2-WO3 nano-composite coatings

Nano sized composites of Zn-TiO2 and Zn-TiO2-WO3 were produced via electrocodeposition on plain carbon steel. The effect of input current on the microstructure, mechanical strengthening and corrosion properties were compared. The morphological features of the composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS); mechanical properties were carried out using a diamond base Dura Scan hardness tester and CERT UMT-2 multifunctional tribological tester. The corrosion properties were investigated by potentiodynamic studies in 3.5% NaCl. The result showed that the coatings exhibited good stability and the particle loading of WO3 greatly enhanced the microstructural properties, hardness behaviour and corrosion resistance of the coatings