Synthesis of Ni–TiN composite nanocoatings by magnetic pulse current deposition

Abstract Ni–TiN composite nanocoatings were successfully deposited by magnetic pulse current deposition. The influence of magnetic intensity on the microstructure, composition, microhardness, and electrochemical properties of the coatings was investigated using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, an X-ray diffractor, a microhardness tester, and an electrochemistry station. Results reveal that Ni–TiN composite nanocoatings synthesized at a magnetic intensity of 0.5 T exhibit a compact and exiguous microstructure with fine grains characterized by an average grain size (TiN particles) of approximately 37.6 nm. The microstructure, composition, microhardness, and electrochemical properties of the coatings are largely dependent on magnetic intensity. The average size of the nickel grains in the Ni–TiN composite nanocoatings prepared at a magnetic intensity of 0.5 T is 67.5 nm. Meanwhile, their corrosion current density has the lowest value among the deposited coatings compared with those deposited at 0.1 T and 0.3 T.