Performance of Ni–SiC composites deposited using magnetic-field-assisted electrodeposition under different magnetic-field directions

To improve the surface and structure performances of metal parts, magnetic-field-assisted electrodeposition was applied to deposit the Ni-SiC composites on Q235 steel substrates. The surface morphology, roughness, microstructure, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness and friction wear tests, and electrochemical analysis, respectively. The Ni-SiC composite (MC-1) fabricated at 0.5 T with perpendicular magnetic direction exhibited a smooth, dense, and fine surface morphology, the highest SiC content, and a Ni grain size of only 72.3 nm. Furthermore, AFM images showed that the roughness of the MC-1 composite (Ra of 84 nm) was lower than those of Ni-SiC composites deposited at 0 T and 0.5 T. XRD analysis indicated that the application of a perpendicular magnetic field changed the preferred growth of Ni grains from the (200) to (111) crystal plane. MC-1 had the highest microhardness and lowest friction coefficient of all composites, indicating its superior abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the MC-1 composite had the lowest corrosion current (0.466 μA/cm2) and highest corrosion potential (−254 mV), indicating its superior corrosion resistance compared to the other composites.