Corrosion behavior of carbon nanotubes–Ni composite coating

Ni–carbon nanotube (CNTs) composite coatings were deposited on a carbon steel by electrodeposition. The effect of incorporation of CNTs into the nickel coating on the morphology of the coating surface and corrosion properties was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the CNTs appear well dispersed in the nickel layer. Corrosion tests were performed in aqueous NaCl (3.5 wt.%) using a weight loss method and electrochemical measurements for bare, pure nickel coated and CNTs–nickel coated samples. The results showed that addition of CNTs in the deposition process of nickel significantly increased the resistance to corrosion. The anti-corrosion mechanism of the composite coating is also discussed.