Tribological behavior of electrodeposited Ni–SnO2 nanocomposite coatings on steel

Ni–SnO2 composite coatings were successfully deposited onto steel substrates by the electrodeposition method from electrolyte solutions, containing submicron SnO2 particles. Results showed that an increase in the amount of the SnO2 in the electrolyte solution led to an increase in the SnO2 content in the composite coatings. Wear rate, friction coefficient and hardness of the composite coatings were determined as a function of their particle contents. It was noted that wear rate and friction coefficient decreased, whereas microhardness increased with the increase in the SnO2 contents of the composite coatings. We believe that uniformity in particle shape and size of SnO2 and their uniform distribution in the nickel matrix may have contributed to the improved performance of the composite coating. In addition, the decrease in the friction coefficient of the composite coating with the increase in its SnO2 content pointed to the possible lubrication role, played by the SnO2 particles.