Abstract
The codeposition behavior of WC particles from an additive-free nickel sulfate and sulfamate solution has been investigated. Electroplating of Ni/WC composites was carried out at different current density with variation of WC particle size. The Guglielmi adsorption mechanism is applied to the electroplating of the fine WC in Ni matrix. The contents of WC in Ni composite coating were increased both by increasing current density and WC concentration in the bath. The hardness of Ni/WC composite coating at low current density is higher than that at high current density since finer WC particles dispersed through the coating. The codeposition behaviors of Co coated WC particles were also investigated. Conducting layer of particles promoted the codeposition behavior of Ni/WC-Co composite coatings.