Effect of Surfactants on the Electrodeposition of Ni-SiC Composites

The effect of various surfactants on the volume% codeposition of SiC in a nickel matrix was evaluated. Of the various surfactants tried, tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was found to be the best for improving the quality of the deposits as well as the homogenous distribution of particles and with reasonable volume% of silicon carbide incorporation in the matrix. Composites were produced using 1 µm and 50 nanometer size powders. The effect of silicon carbide concentration and bath operating variables on the volume% of SiC incorporation in the deposit and the deposition rates were estimated. Substantial improvement in mechanical properties such as hardness and wear resistance was obtained with the nano SiC composite compared to the micro SiC composite.