Effect of Ce2(SO4)3 on structure and properties of Ni–Co/Al2O3 composite coating deposited by pulse reverse current method

Composite coating of Ni–Co/Al2O3 was deposited in Ce2(SO4)3 containing electrolyte by pulse reverse current (PRC) method. The effect of Ce2(SO4)3 in electrolyte on morphology, microstructure, composition, micro-hardness and residual macrostress of composite coating was investigated. The results indicates that with addition of Ce2(SO4)3 in electrolyte, the composite coating becomes uniform, compact and possesses finer grains, the composite content of Al2O3 is enhanced, the micro-hardness of composite coating is improved, while the residual macrostress is decreased.