Friction and wear properties of electro-deposited Ni-W-WC composite coatings

To improve the hardness and wear resistance of Ni-W alloy coating, WC particles were added into coating as hard phase. Using ethanol as dispersant, the WC particles were uniformly dispersed in the plating solution by ultrasonic dispersion and mechanical stirring. The influence of the optimal addition of WC on the coating hardness and wear resistance was studied. The results show that the hardness and wear resistance of coatings are great improved if the WC particles are added in a certain range. The optimal addition of WC is 1 g/L with the most favorable mechanical properties.