Research project: Co-Ni-P Electrodeposits for Hard Chrome Replacement

Currently Active:: Yes

Hard Chrome has been widely used in aerospace, automotive and general engineering industries. In 2003, the world wide output value of Cr plating was approximately 20 billion dollars. The prominent disadvantage is its health and environmental impacts. Conventional Cr plating solution is consisted of chromic acid in the hexavalent state, which is extremely toxic and carcinogenic. Rising environmental challenges hence need to develop and evaluate alternative coatings are rehearsed.

Project Overview

Electrocrystallisation is a result of competition between the buildup of existing crystals and the formation of new ones, which are influenced by the rate of charge transfer at the electrode surface and the surface diffusion of adions on the crystal surface. Nanocrystalline Ni-Co electrodeposits in hcp structure has lower coefficient of friction and wear rate, and Ni-P in amorphous structure provide a better corrosion resistance. The Co-Ni-P coating is designed to achieve all these advantages.

Co-Ni-P coating growth from columnar crystal to equiaxed amorphous structure — Co-Ni-P coating growth

Co-Ni-P coatings showing low wear rate compared to Hard Chrome — Co-Ni-P coatings showing low wear

Associated research themes

Materials and surface engineering

Related research groups

national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS)
Engineering Materials

Staff

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