Surface Properties and Characterisation of Cobalt-Nickel-Iron Alloy Coating on Mild Steel for Engineering Applications
Keywords:
Cobalt-Nickel-Iron, Deposition times, Hardness, Surface roughness, Surface propertiesAbstract
Corrosion prevention, enhancement of mechanical properties and aesthetic improvement are key motivators for the use of protective coatings in engineering applications. This study investigates the surface characteristics of electrodeposited Cobalt-Nickel-Iron (CoNiFe) nanoparticle coatings on mild steel substrates to assess cobalt alloy potential for improved performance and durability. Through the usage of electrodeposition method, coatings were applied at varying deposition times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), with electrolyte temperatures maintained at constant 50 ± 3 °C and current levels set at 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0 A respectively. Key properties evaluated include surface roughness, hardness, coating thickness, and breaking energy. Results showed that coating thickness ranged from 14.23 µm to 40.80 µm, with the thickest coating recorded at 45 minutes’ deposition time. Hardness value also increased at longer deposition durations, with the highest achieved value of 503.12 HV at 45 minutes’ deposition time. Surface roughness ranged from 1.4210 µm (30 minutes, 1.0 A) to 8.1085 µm (45 minutes, 3.0 A), indicating significant influence of deposition conditions. Additionally, the coating had a maximum breaking energy of 74 Joules at high-temperature quenching conditions (30 minutes). These findings suggest that CoNiFe coatings applied via controlled electrodeposition process can significantly improve the mechanical resilience and lifespan of mild steel, offering promising applications for advanced engineering environments.
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