Super hard WC-Cr composite coatings: An approach to potential wear applications

In this study, submicron (APS = 200 nm) tungsten carbide (WC) ceramic particles were co-deposited with chromium metal (Cr) via electro-codeposition system to fabricate WC-Cr metal matrix composite coatings. Instead of traditional electrodeposition cells, a new system was designed and coatings were fabricated using this system. Phase identifications of the coatings were performed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and surface morphologies were investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) with attached scanning electron microscope (SEM). Hardness values of the coatings were performed under 980.7 mN applied load using a microhardness tester. It was concluded that WC ceramic particles were physically adsorbed on the cathode surface and formed a composite structure with metal Cr and co-deposition of submicron sized ceramic particles with metals via electrodeposition system was strictly successful. In addition, with respect to the reference coatings, WC reinforced composite coatings depict an increased hardness up to twice its value. Frequency, as a parameter of pulse current, is determined as an effective parameter in co-deposition.