Abstract:
Multi-layered functionally graded (FG) structure Ni−W/Er
2O
3 nanocomposite films were prepared by continuously changing the deposition parameters, in which the Er
2O
3 and W contents varied with thickness. The microstructure and chemical composition of the electrodeposited Ni−W/Er
2O
3 films were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The anti-corrosion and wear properties of the electrodeposition films were investigated by electrochemical measurement and ball-on-disk friction test. The microhardness distribution of the cross section of nanocomposites was measured by nanoindentation. The results showed that with decreasing agitation rate or increasing average current density, the contents of Er
2O
3 nanoparticles and tungsten were distributed in a gradient along the thickness, and the contents on the surface were larger. By comparison, FG Ni−W/Er
2O
3 films had better anti-corrosion and wear properties than the uniform Ni−W/Er
2O
3 films. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry measurements indicated that Er
2O
3 nanoparticles had an effect on the surface roughness.