Electrodeposition and characterization of Ni–TiC composite using N-methylformamide bath

Ni–TiC composite coatings containing a maximum of 14.62 wt.% TiC were obtained under optimum condition by the constant current electrodeposition of Ni and micrometer sized particles of TiC powder onto the surface of commercial grade copper substrates. A bath containing 200 g/l nickel acetate, 35 g/l boric acid and 40 g/l TiC in N-methylformamide at current density 2 A dm−2, duration of electrolysis 30 min and bath temperature 60 °C was found to be optimum condition for electrodeposition. The composition, microstructure, hydrogen content and microhardness were investigated by AAS, EDAX, SEM, XRD and microhardness tester. The single line broadening analysis of peak shows that crystallite size decreases with increase in current density. The hydrogen content in the deposits was found to be minimal. The effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and microhardness was also examined.