Pulse electrodeposition and characterization of graphene oxide particle-reinforced Ni-W alloy matrix nanocomposite coatings

The structure and properties of pulse electrodeposited Ni-W alloy-based nanocomposite coatings, reinforced with varying amounts of graphene oxide (GO) particles, have been evaluated. An aqueous sulfate-citrate electrolytic bath with a suspension of GO particles was used for the deposition of Ni-W/GO composite coatings. Using X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction, the effect of graphene oxide particles on microstructural characteristics of the nanocomposite coatings was examined with emphasis on the evolution of constituent phases, morphology, grain size (16-30 nm), and micro-strain. The GO particle reinforcement in the Ni-W alloy reduces the average matrix grain size and increases micro-strain in the alloy matrix. The presence of GO particles in the matrix of nanocomposite coatings is found to strongly influence both nanoindentation hardness and elastic modulus, obtained by analyzing the load-displacement curves, lower the friction coefficient, and enhance the corrosion resistance. Graphic abstract