Influence of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus coatings

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report a study of the influence of tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) coatings in NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The morphology of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and weight loss measurements were used to study the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings in NaCl solution.

Findings

The WC nanoparticles content in the coatings increased with the increase of its concentration in the bath, and the WC nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in Ni–P alloy matrix. The results showed that the incorporation of WC nanoparticles elevated the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P alloy matrix.

Originality/value

This study shows that the corrosion resistance was improved by the addition of WC nanoparticles to the Ni–P alloy matrix.

Citation

Zhao, C. and Yao, Y. (2014), "Influence of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus coatings", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 61 No. 5, pp. 314-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-05-2013-1263