Microstructure and Properties of Electrochemically Deposited Ni-Fe/Si3N4 Nanocomposites from a DMF Bath. Issue 3 (1st January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tripathi, Manoj Kumar; Singh, Dhananjay Kumar; Singh, V. B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 162:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: D87
• Page End: D95
• Publication Date: 2015-01-01
• Subjects: Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/2.0201503jes
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : This paper deals with successful co-deposition of Ni-Fe/Si3 N4 nanocomposites applying various current densities (0.5–3.0 A dm −2 ) from a sulfamate–DMF (N, N-dimethylformamide) bath containing different concentration of Si3 N4 nanoparticles. The nanocomposits have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis. The microhardness, magnetic and electrical properties along with thermal stability has been evaluated. A maximum of 13.6 wt% Si3 N4 particles is incorporated in the metallic matrix from 10 g/L bath load of the ceramic particles. The matrix has face-centred-cubic structure. The crystallite size of the nanocomposites is found in the range of 8–13 nm while the strain values ranged between 0.0081 and 0.01. The magnetic measurement reveals superparamagnetic character of the coatings. Occlusion of nano-Si3 N4 renders superior hardness to the matrix metal. The hydrogen content in the coatings is minimal, i.e. nearly 6 ppm, which does not cause any adverse effect on the micro- and crystallographic structure of the composites.