Development of Zn-Ni/MWCNT Nanocomposite coatings

The Zn-Ni composite coatings on mild steel substrate were prepared by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) through electrodeposition technique successfully. The reinforcement of carbon nanotubes was increased by achieving high dispersion in the plating electrolyte. Surfactants namely, Cetyltriammonium bromide (CTAB), Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Triton X 100 were made use in this attempt. The coated specimens were tested for their corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution through polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic (EIS) studies. Surfactants deagglomerated the particles and enhanced their incorporation in the metal matrix which helped to obtain composites with higher corrosion resistance and increased hardness.