A reciprocating wear study on the effect of surfactant concentration and sliding speed in the electro codeposited Ni/SiCp metal matrix composites

In this present work, Ni/SiC metal matrix composite coatings were prepared from a modified Watt’s type electrolyte containing nano-SiC suspended particles by direct current plating method to increase the wear resistance of Ni. The influence of surfactant content on codeposition of SiC particles within the matrix and tribological properties were investigated. A wide particle size range (between 0.1 and 1.0 µm) was chosen to provide a high load bearing ability for the codeposited layers. The wear tests were carried out at different sliding speeds by using a constant load. The influence of sliding speed on the tribological performances of the coatings has been investigated by using a reciprocating ball-on disk apparatus. Wear resistances and friction coefficients of Ni/SiC composites were decreased by increasing sliding speed due to temperature-controlled surface oxidation. The change in wear mechanisms by changing surfactant content and sliding speeds were also comprehensively studied.