Fabrication and anticorrosion performance of Ni–P–BN nanocomposite coatings on mild steel

Abstract

Ni–P–BN composite coatings were successfully obtained on low carbon steel by the electroless plating technique. Deposits were characterized by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis. The hardness and microstructure of as plated and heat treated Ni–P and Ni–P–BN composites were analyzed. Change in microstructure and higher hardness was noticed for the heattreated composite. The corrosion resistance of as plated and heat treated Ni–P and Ni–P–BN coatings was investigated by the Tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies in 3.5 wt % NaCl. The heat-treated composite coatings exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance over that of Ni–P coatings.