Properties enhancement of Ni-P electrodeposited coatings by the incorporation of nanoscale Y 2 O 3 particles

In this study the influence of nanoscale Y 2 O 3 particles on structural, morphological, mechanical and the elemental composition of Ni-P coatings have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Electrodeposition process was implemented to develop a new Ni-P-Y 2 O 3 nanocomposite coatings using different concentrations of Y 2 O 3 of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 g/L. The surface analysis exhibits the formation of intact, homogenous and dense coatings of the nodular structure without observable surface defects such as pores and cracks. The mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of hard Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles. The corrosion protection of the as-prepared Ni-P coatings before and after addition of Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles was evaluated using different electrochemical techniques in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The results revealed that Ni-P-1.00 g/L Y 2 O 3 metallic coating posses the highest corrosion protection efficiency (PE), of 90%.This publication was made possible by NPRP Grant NPRP-9-080-2-039 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.Scopu