Prediction and optimization of microhardness and corrosion behaviour of CuNi-Gr composite coatings

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets (Gr) as fillers for alloy composite coatings has increased due to their remarkable high aspect ratio and distinctive plate-like structure. Piping, condensers and heat exchangers in seawater systems, desalination plants, marine hardware and boat hulls are expected to exhibit high wear and corrosion resistance. For this purpose, CuNi-Gr composite coatings have been fabricated using electrodeposition technique and investigated their microhardness and anti-corrosion properties. During the electrodeposition of coatings, the various process variables such as pH, current density, Gr concentration and amount of nickel sulfate have been taken into account. To achieve the full potential of CuNi-Gr composite coating in engineering applications, this study optimizes the performance of the CuNi-Gr composite coating using an orthogonal array design of a Taguchi technique. By Taguchi and regression analysis, it was found that the Gr concentration in the electrolyte is the most influencing parameter of the process for microhardness and polarization resistance of the CuNi-Gr composite coatings. It has been observed that the microhardness and polarization resistance of the composite coatings increase with the increase in the Gr content up to 400 mg/L.