Enhanced Mechanical and Tribological Capabilities of a Silicon Aluminum Alloy with an Electroplated Ni–Co–P/Si₃N₄ Composite Coating

Abstract

Ni–Co–P/Si3N4 composite coatings were fabricated over an aluminum–silicon (Al–Si) substrate using a pulse-current electroplating process, in which the rapid deposition of an intermediate nickel–cobalt layer was used to improve coating adhesion. The microstructure, mechanical, and tribological behaviors of the electroplated Ni–Co–P/Si3N4 composite coating were characterized and evaluated. The results revealed that the electroplated Ni–Co–P/Si3N4 composite coating primarily consisted of highly crystalline Ni–Co sosoloid and P, and a volumetric concentration of 7.65% Si3N4. The electroplated Ni–Co–P/Si3N4 composite coating exhibited hardness values almost two times higher than the uncoated Al–Si substrate, which was comparable to hard chrome coatings. Under lubricated and dry sliding conditions, the electroplated Ni–Co–P/Si3N4 composite coating showed excellent anti-wear performance. Whether dry or lubricated with PAO and engine oil, the composite coating showed minimum abrasive wear compared to the severe adhesive wear and abrasive wear observed in the Al–Si substrate.

Keywords

• silicon–aluminum alloy
• electroposition
• Ni–Co–P/Si₃N₄ composite coating
• mechanical strength
• friction and wear