Properties of electrodeposited functional Ni–Fe/AlN nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

Ni–Fe/AlN nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited from sulphamate based electrolyte in N,N-dimethylformamide solvent. The conditions of maximum particulate incorporation into the matrix were optimized. The coatings were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Vicker’s microhardness tester. The reinforcement of matrix with nano-AlN rendered superior microhardness (up to 560 HV) to the nanocomposites over monolithic Ni and Ni–Fe alloy deposits. Incorporation of aluminium nitride (AlN) particles in the Ni–Fe alloy matrix under optimum condition was recorded up to 23.2 wt%. Magnetic measurements revealed soft ferromagnetic behaviour of the deposit with marked tendency towards superparamagnetism. Keywords: Electrodeposition, Ferromagnetic, Nanocomposite, Microstructure, Aluminium nitride (AlN), N,N-dimethylformamide