Properties of Pulse-electrodeposited Ni-P-ZrO2 nanocomposite coating | Osama Fayyaz

Summary :
⁣Corrosion is considered to be major challenge faced by oil and gas industry which becomes more disastrous in heavy operating conditions. In this research, zirconia nanoparticles were incorporated in NiP matrix to study the effect of concentration of ZrO2 particles in the NiP-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings. Low alloy steel was used as the substrate and pulse electrodeposition technique was utilized owing to its advantages over other deposition methods. Co-electrodeposition of various concentrations of zirconia nanoparticles (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 g/L) was carried out in the optimized chemical bath. Numerous techniques were adopted to evaluate the structural, morphological, mechanical and electrochemical properties of nanocomposite coating. SEM and EDS results prove the successful reinforcement of zirconia nanoparticles in NiP matrix. XRD and XPS analysis validates the structural formation of pure phase of NiP without any evident defect. An appreciable enhancement in the mechanical properties was noticed with an increase in the amount of zirconia nanoparticles. Likewise, EIS analysis confirms a gradual increase in corrosion protection behavior of the NiP-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings with increasing zirconia concentration. The decent mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of NiP-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings provide an exciting option for their suitability in numerous applications.

About Author :
⁣I am a graduate student at the prestigious institute of Qatar University in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering. I have completed Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University India in the field of mechanical engineering with distinction grade throughout my academic career. My interest in material sciences have led me to pursue my research work in advanced material at the Center for Advanced Materials-Qatar University under my guide Dr Abdul Shakoor (impact factor = 385) who has co-authored more than 100 research articles in high impact scientific journal. Currently, my research areas are surface modification and surface characterization through state-of-the-art techniques. I have participated in various research-based internships. I have co-authored couple of published articles in composite coating.