Improve Corrosion and Tribological Performance of Electrodeposited Ni–W–SnO ₂ Composite Coating

This work presents the development of a nickel‐based alloy and Ni–W–SnO 2 designed to replace chromium plating, which is known for its toxic, corrosive, and carcinogenic properties. This study is focused on improving surface properties, corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the coatings. Nickel‐Tungsten alloy was electrodeposited using a nickel sulfate electroplating bath, with various amounts of SnO 2 particulates co‐deposited uniformly in the nickel‐tungsten alloy matrix. Nickel‐tungsten and nickel‐tungsten‐tinoxide composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x‐ray diffraction analysis and microhardness. XRD analysis showed that, the (111) plane was dominant in both the Ni–W alloy and the Ni–W–SnO 2 composite, confirming an FCC crystal structure. SEM images indicated finer grains and a uniform dispersion of SnO 2 particles within the Ni–W matrix. The microhardness of the coating increased with the incorporation of SnO 2 . Corrosion resistance was assessed using Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a 3.5% sodium chloride medium. These outcomes indicate that, optimized content of SnO 2 in the nickel‐tungsten alloy matrix improved the surface properties of the nanocomposite coatings, resulting in reasonable microhardness, a smooth surface, lower friction coefficients, remarkable wear resistance, and better corrosion resistance.