Preventing formation of intermetallic compounds in ultrasonic-assisted Sn soldering of Mg/Al alloys through pre-plating a Ni coating layer on the Mg substrate

Magnesium and aluminum alloys are widely used in various industries because of their excellent properties,and their reliable connection may increase application of materials.Intermetallic compounds(IMCs)affect the joint performance of Mg/Al.In this study,AZ31 Mg alloy with/without a nickel(Ni)coating layer and 6061 Al alloy were joined by ultrasonic-assisted soldering with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu(SAC)filler.The effects of the Ni coating layer on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg/Al joints were systematically investigated.The Ni coating layer had a significant effect on formation of the Mg_(2)Sn IMC and the mechanical properties of Mg/Al joints.The blocky Mg_(2)Sn IMC formed in the Mg/SAC/Al joints without a Ni coating layer.The content of the Mg_(2)Sn IMC increased with increasing soldering temperature,but the joint strength decreased.The joint without a Ni coating layer fractured at the blocky Mg_(2)Sn IMC in the solder,and the maximum shear strength was 32.2 MPa.By pre-plating Ni on the Mg substrate,formation of the blocky Mg_(2)Sn IMC was inhibited in the soldering temperature range 240–280℃and the joint strength increased.However,when the soldering temperature increased to 310℃,the blocky Mg_(2)Sn IMC precipitated again in the solder.Transmission electron microscopy showed that some nano-sized Mg_(2)Sn IMC and the(Cu,Ni)_(6)Sn_(5)phase formed in the Mg(Ni)/SAC/Al joint soldered at 280℃,indicating that the Ni coating layer could no longer prevent diffusion of Mg into the solder when the soldering temperature was higher than 280℃.The maximum shear strength of the Mg(Ni)/SAC/Al joint was 58.2 MPa for a soldering temperature of 280℃,which was 80.7%higher than that of the Mg/SAC/Al joint,and the joint was broken at the Mg(Ni)/SAC interface.Pre-plating Ni is a feasible way to inhibit formation of IMCs when joining dissimilar metals.

Effect of mechanical attrition on microstructure and property of electroplated Ni coating

Ni coating was deposited on carbon steel by a mechanical attrition enhanced electroplating （MAEE） process. During the electroplating, the mechanical attrition（MA） was introduced by impact of glass balls on the sample surface with a special vibrating frequency. The surface and cross-sectional images of Ni coating were observed with SEM. The microstructure and crystallinity of coating were examined with TEM and XRD. The electrochemical performance of coating was measured with polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） and its mechanical behaviours, such as tensile strength and hardness, were studied. The results show that the MA has significant effects on the microstructure and property of the electroplated Ni coating. By MA, the coating becomes smooth, compact, thin and has refined grains and is free of cracks and pores. Consequently, the adhesion, tensile strength, hardness and corrosion resistance of coating are improved significantly.

Improving mechanical properties of AZ91D magnesium/A356 aluminum bimetal prepared by compound casting via a high velocity oxygen fuel sprayed Ni coating

In this paper,a Ni coating was deposited on the surface of the A356 aluminum alloy by high velocity oxygen fuel spraying to improve the performance of the AZ91D magnesium/A356 aluminum bimetal prepared by a compound casting.The effects of the Ni coating as well as its thickness on microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ91D/A356 bimetal were systematically researched for the first time.Results demonstrated that the Ni coating and its thickness had a significant effect on the interfacial phase compositions and mechanical properties of the AZ91D/A356 bimetal.The 10μm’s Ni coating cannot prevent the generation of the Al-Mg intermetallic compounds(IMCs)at the interface zone of the AZ91D/A356 bimetal,while the Ni coating with the thickness of 45μm and 190μm can avoid the formation of the Al-Mg IMCs.When the Ni coating was 45μm,the Ni coating disappeared and transformed into Mg-Mg_(2)Ni eutectic structures+Ni_(2)Mg_(3)Al particles at the interface zone.With a thickness of 190μm’s Ni coating,part of the Ni coating remained and the interface layer was composed of the Mg-Mg_(2)Ni eutectic structures+Ni_(2)Mg_(3)Al particles,Mg_(2)Ni layer,Ni solid solution(SS)layer,Al_(3)Ni_(2) layer,Al_(3)Ni layer and sporadic Al_(3)Ni+Al-Al_(3)Ni eutectic structures from AZ91D side to A356 side in sequence.The interface layer consisting of the Mg-Ni and Al-Ni IMCs obtained with the Ni coating had an obvious lower hardness than the Al-Mg IMCs.The shear strength of the AZ91D/A356 bimetal with a Ni coating of 45μm thickness enhanced 41.4%in comparison with that of the bimetal without Ni coating,and the fracture of the bimetal with 45μm’s Ni coating occurred between the Mg matrix and the interface layer with a mixture of brittle fracture and ductile fracture.

Effects of ultrasonic dispersion on structure of electrodeposited Ni coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

To obtain the refined electrodeposited nickel layer on AZ91D magnesium alloy,ultrasonic technology was applied in the processes of pre-treatment and electrodeposition.The phases of pre-treatment layer and the nickel coating were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry(XRD)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and the microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Then,the effects of ultrasonic dispersion on the microstructure of pre-treatment layer and the grain refinement of electrodeposited nickel layer were discussed.The results showed that the pre-treatment electrodeposited Cu-Sn layer with compact microstructure could be synthesized in alkaline copper-tin liquid with ultrasonic agitation,as a result,smooth and refined nickel coating formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy.On the other hand,preferred orientation in the coating decreased because of the refined grains.

Investigation on Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Rare Earth-Doped Electrodeposition Ni Coatings

The microstructure and corrosion resistance of the RE-doped electrodeposition Ni coatings fabricated with direct current electrodeposition (DC), pulse current electrodeposition (PC), and pulse reversal current electrodeposition (PRC) were investigated by means of SEM, electrochemical analysis and corrosion mass loss, etc. The results show that the Ni coatings produced with PRC exhibit the highest corrosion resistance among the three kinds of coatings, and the corrosion resistance of the PC coatings is higher than that of the DC coatings. The reason is that the surface of the PRC coatings is compacter, crystal finer compared with the coarse surface of DC and PC coatings.

High temperature oxidation resistance and microstructure change of aluminized coating on copper substrate

The outermost coating with single phase Ni2Al3 was obtained on copper surface by electrodepositing nickel followed by slurry pack aluminizing at 800 °C for 12 h. The oxidation resistance and microstructure of the coating oxidized in ambient air at 1000 °C for 25-250 h were investigated using SEM, X-ray diffraction and optical microscope methods. The results show that the copper with single phase Ni2Al3 coating possesses the best high temperature oxidation resistance, and the mass gain of the coating is 1/15 that of pure copper and 1/2 that of nickel coating, respectively. The specimen surface after being oxidized for 25 h still comprises Ni2Al3 phase. However, when the time of oxidizing treatment increases to 50 h, the Ni Al phase is formed. It is also found that the Ni2Al3 phase completely turns into Ni Al phase after oxidizing treatment for 100 h and above. The Ni Al coating shows excellent high temperature oxidation resistance when oxidation time is 250 h.

Wetting of molten Sn-3.5Ag-0.5Cu on Ni-P(-SiC) coatings deposited on high volume faction SiC/Al composite

The wetting of molten Sn-3.5Ag-0.5Cu alloy on the Ni-P(-SiC)coated SiCp/Al substrates was investigated by electroless Ni plating process,and the microstructures of the coating and the interfacial behavior of wetting systems were analyzed.The SiC particles are evenly distributed in the coating and enveloped with Ni.No reaction layer is observed at the coating/SiCp/Al composite interfaces.The contact angle increases from^19°with the Ni-P coating to 29°,43°and 113°with the corresponding Ni-P-3SiC,Ni-P-6SiC and Ni-P-9SiC coatings,respectively.An interaction layer containing Cu,Ni,Sn and P forms at the Sn-Ag-Cu/Ni-P-(0,3,6)SiC coated SiCp/Al interfaces,and the Cu-Ni-Sn and Ni-Sn-P phases are detected in the interaction layer.Moreover,the molten Sn-Ag-Cu can penetrate into the Ni-P(-SiC)coatings through the Ni-P/SiC interface and dissolve them to contact the SiCp/Al substrate.

Incorporation of nano/micron-SiC particles in Ni-based composite coatings towards enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosion properties

Ni-based composite coatings incorporated with nano/micron SiC particles were fabricated via electrochemical co-deposition in Watts bath,followed by the evaluation of their mechanical and anti-corrosion properties.The micrographic observations suggest that the SiC particles with various sizes can be well incorporated to the Ni substrate.X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns indicate that SiC particles with smaller sizes could weaken the preferential growth of Ni along(200)facet.In addition,it is found that the incorporated SiC particles with medium micron sizes(8 and 1.5μm)could significantly enhance the micro-hardness of the Ni composite coatings.Nevertheless,electrochemical measurements demonstrate that micron-sized SiC particles would weaken the corrosion resistance of Ni composite coatings ascribed to the structure defects induced.In contrast,the combined incorporation of nanosized(50 nm)SiC particles with medium micron(1.5μm)ones is capable of promoting the compactness of the composite coatings,which is beneficial to the long-term corrosion resistance with negligible micro-hardness loss.

The effect of annealing treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of cold-sprayed nickel coating

The effect of annealing treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of cold-sprayed Ni coating was investigated by conducting micro-hardness and tensile tests and using a normal optical microscope （OM） ,a scanning electron microscope （ SEM）, a transmission electron microscope （TEM） and an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer （EPMA）. The results show that following the increase of the annealing temperature ,the micro-hardness of cold-sprayed Ni coating decreases and the elongation after fracture increases, while the tensile strength increases before decreasing. The tensile deformation and fracture behavior change from a typical brittle fracture to a hybrid brittle and ductile fracture, then to a typical ductile failure. It is found that when annealed at an elevated temperature （ e. g. 900℃ ） ,the grains tend to grow abnormally with the oxides spheroidizing and the defects agglomerating at the interfaces, causing the tensile strength reduction of the cold-sprayed nickel coating. It is also pointed out that the tensile strength of the cold-sprayed Ni coating can be significantly improved by the appropriate annealing procedures, but the elongation after fracture cannot be clearly increased because it is difficult to eliminate the main defects in the coating by the following heat treatments.

Microstructure,microhardness and corrosion resistance of laser cladding Ni−WC coating on AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy

The microstructure,microhardness,and corrosion resistance of laser cladding Ni−WC coating on the surface of AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,microhardness testing,immersion corrosion testing,and electrochemical measurement.The results show that a smooth coating containing NiAl,Ni_(3)Al,M_(7)C_(3),M_(23)C_(6)phases(M=Ni,Al,Cr,W,Fe)and WC particles is prepared by laser cladding.Under a laser scanning speed of 120 mm/min,the microhardness of the cladding coating is 9−11 times that of AlSi5Cu1Mg,due to the synergistic effect of excellent metallurgical bond and newly formed carbides.The Ni−WC coating shows higher corrosion potential(−318.09 mV)and lower corrosion current density(12.33μA/cm^(2))compared with the matrix.The crack-free,dense cladding coating obviously inhibits the penetration of Cl^(−)and H^(+),leading to the remarkedly improved corrosion resistance of cladding coating.

Microstructure,tribological behavior and magnetic properties of Fe−Ni−TiO_(2) composite coatings synthesized via pulse frequency variation

The Fe−Ni−TiO_(2) nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited by pulse frequency variation.The results showed that the nanocomposite with a very dense coating surface and a nanocrystalline structure was produced at higher frequencies.By increasing the pulse frequency from 10 to 500 Hz,the iron and TiO_(2) nanoparticles contents were increased in expense of nickel content.XRD patterns showed that by increasing the frequency to 500 Hz,an enhancement of BCC phase was observed and the grain size of deposits was reduced to 35 nm.The microhardness and the surface roughness were increased to 647 HV and 125 nm at 500 Hz due to the grain size reduction and higher incorporation of TiO_(2) nanoparticles into the Fe−Ni matrix(5.13 wt.%).Moreover,the friction coefficient and wear rate values were decreased by increasing the pulse frequency;while the saturation magnetization and coercivity values of the composite deposits were increased.

Fabrication of superhydrophobic reduced-graphene oxide/nickel coating with mechanical durability,self-cleaning and anticorrosion performance

There is a great challenge to fabricate superhydrophobic coating with excellent mechanical durability and corrosion resistance.Inspired by the pinecone-shaped structure,a novel reduced-graphene oxide(rGO)/Ni composite coating with pinecone-like micro/nanostructures was fabricated successfully on a stainless steel substrate using a simple electrodeposition method combining Ni pre-deposition and an elevated current assistant approach.The results show that the coating is of self-cleaning and superhydrophicity with a water contact angle(CA)of 162.7°±0.8°and a sliding angle(SA)of 2.5°±1.0°.Importantly,the coating still maintains the excellent self-cleaning and superhydrophicity,water CA of 155.8°±1.2°and SA of 5.9°±1.2°,even after 100-cycle mechanical abrasion.Meanwhile,the coating also exhibits good anticorrosion performance in 3.5 wt%NaCl solution,with 99.98%inhibition efficiency.The simple fabrication method may provide a cost-effective way to prepare mechanically durable,anticorrosive,self-cleaning and superhydrophobic coatings on metal substrates.

Corrosion resistance of electrodeposited RE-Ni-W-P-SiC composite coating

Immersion experiment results show that corrosion rate of the as deposited RE Ni W P SiC composite coating in HCl solutions increases with the rise of HCl concentration. On the contrary, the corrosion rate of the composite coating after heat treatment decreases with increasing HCl concentration. The corrosion rates of the composite coatings in as deposited state and after heat treatment in H 2SO 4 and H 3PO 4 solutions respectively decrease with the rise of H 2SO 4 and H 3PO 4 concentrations. The corrosion rate of the composite coating as deposited in FeCl 3 solutions decreases with increasing FeCl 3 concentration, while the rate of the composite coating after heat treatment increases with the rise of FeCl 3 concentration. The corrosion rate of 316L stainless steel in the corrosion media of H 2SO 4, HCl, H 3PO 4 and FeCl 3 solutions at different concentrations increases with rising concentration. In addition, the corrosion rate of 316L stainless steel in the corrosion media of H 2SO 4, HCl, H 3PO 4 and FeCl 3 solutions respectively is much greater than that of the RE Ni W P SiC composite coating as deposited and after heat treatment in the same corrosion media. [

Thermodynamics of electrodeposited Ni-B-SiC composite coatings

The φ pH diagram of Ni B H 2O system was drawn, and the mechanism of electrodepositing Ni B SiC composite coatings was discussed. The results show that the deposition of Ni and B occurs prior to that of H 2 because of the over potential of H 2 evolution on the Fe substrate. Boron can not singly deposit in aqueous solution. Nickel and boron can co deposit in the form of Ni 4B 3 without evolution of hydrogen when the cathodical potential is kept to be -1.415 ～ -1.700?V.

Improving Wear Resistance of the Ni-base Thermal Spray-Welding Coating Using Rare Earths

By adding rare earth alloy and cerium oxide, the effect of rare earths on tribological properties of nickel base alloy layer was studied to approach the possibility of applying rare earths to Ni base thermal spray welding coating. Wear test results showed that the wear rates of the nickel base coating without rare earths were quite high, and the load bearing capacity of coating was low, in contrast, the wear rates of the coating with rare earths were low and the coating had higher load bearing capacity. The results show that rare earths can refine the structure of nickel base alloy, improve the interface of the coating and substrate.

Corrosive-wear and Electrochemical Performance of Laser Thermal Sprayed Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si Coating on Ti6Al4V Alloy

Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coatings were fabricated on Ti6Al4V alloy using a laser thermal spraying(LTS).The surface and cross-section morphologies,phases and bonding strength of obtained coatings were investigated using scanning electronic microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and scratch test,respectively.The effects of laser power on the coefficients of friction(COFs)and corrosive-wear behaviors of Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coatings were investigated using a wear tester in 3.5%NaCl solution,and the electrochemical corrosion performance was analyzed using an electrochemical workstation.The experimental results show that the Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coating is bonded with the substrate in the metallurgical form,and the bonding strengths of Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1000,1200,and 1400 W are 76.5,56.5,and 55.6 N,respectively.The average COFs of Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1000,1200,and 1400 W are 0.769,0.893,and 0.941,respectively;and the corresponding wear rates are 0.267×105,0.3178×105,and 0.325×105μm3/Nm,respectively,which increases with the increase of laser power,the wear mechanism is primarily abrasive wear.The corrosion potential of Co30Cr8W1.6C3Ni1.4Si coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1000,1200,and 1400 W is-0.05,-0.25,and-0.31 V,respectively,higher than-0.45 V of substrate which enhances the electrochemical corrosion resistance of substrate.

Oxidation Behavior of Pd-Modified Aluminide Coating at High Temperature

(Ni,Pd)AI coating, prepared by low pressure pack cementation on the Ni-base superalloy M38 where Pd-20 wt pct Ni alloy was predeposited, consists of a single β-(Ni,Pd)AI phase. The initial isothermal oxidation behavior of (Ni,Pd)AI coating was investigated by TGA, XRD, SEM/EDS at 800-1100℃. Results show that oxidation kinetics accord preferably with parabolic law at 800, 900 and 1100℃, but not at 1000℃. θ-AI203 was observed at 800-1100℃. It is found that Pd plays an important role in accelerating the diffusion of Ti from the substrate to the coating surface in the aluminide coating.

Structure and characteristics of electrodeposited RE-Ni-W-P-B_4C-PTFE composite coatings

Hardness, friction and wear characteristics of electrodeposited RE Ni W P B 4C PTFE composite coatings were studied, and the reason for these fine characteristics was explained in respect of structure. The results show that 1) the structure of RE Ni W P B 4C PTFE composite coatings experiences a transformation process from amorphous to mixture then to crystal as the heat treatment temperature rises; 2) incorporating of B 4C greatly increases the hardness of the coating; 3) the wear resistance of the coating is best with heat treatment for 1?h at 300?℃, which is greatly superior to that of the other traditional coatings.

Influence of a Protective Coating Slurry on Enhancing the Descaling Ability and Oxidation Resistance of 9% Nickel Steel

A kind of ceramic slurry was prepared and sprayed onto the surface of 9Ni steel at room temperature. The coating layer will not only reduce the depth of the formed Ni-enriched entanglement at high temperature but also have an excellent ability to resist oxidation of the 9Ni steel. Compared to bare specimen, the depths of the entanglement of the coated 9Ni specimen could be successfully reduced by 74.1% and the oxidation loss be decreased by 62.3% by heating at 1 250 ℃ for 60 min. In addition, the coated specimen indicates no trace of oxide pegs. It proves that the coating has outstanding improvement to internal oxidation resistance. Some characterization methods such as metalloscopy, XRD, XPS, SEM and EDX have been used to reveal a possible protective mechanism. The result shows that the coating layer reacts with the iron oxide to form Mg Fe2O4 on the surface of the coated specimen, which could provide a smaller diffusion coefficient rate of Fe ion. The coating with a low cost and easy implementation is promisingly applicable in the slab-reheating process of the 9Ni steel.

Corrosion Behavior of Electrodepositing Ni/Al_2O_3 Composite Coatings under the Presence of NaCl Deposit

The morphology and corrosion behavior of Ni/Al2O3 composite coatings prepared using double-pulsed electrodepositing technique after oxidized under 800 ℃ NaCl deposit in air environment were analyzed by scanning electrical microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and energy dispersive spectrum(EDS). The results showed that the corrosion of all composite coatings was accelerated under NaCl deposits, and the corrosion products were rather porous with poor adherence to the matrix. Al2O3 particles in the coatings can refine the grain size and improve the high temperature corrosion resistance of the coatings. Within the test scope, the more Al2O3 particles in the coatings, the lower corrosion rates could be obtained, and the corrosion mechanism was also discussed.