Synthesis of nickel-titanium intermetallic surface coatings via electrolytic plasma processing

Abstract

Electrolytic plasma processing (EPP) is an environmentally friendly surface cleaning and deposition technique. Dependant on circuit polarity, anionic or cationic species can be deposited from an aqueous electrolyte bridge, resulting in characteristic nanograin surface morphology and very high deposition rates. This work was conducted to study the EPP process, develop optimal parameters for the synthesis of very hard surface coatings, and study the resultant physical and electrochemical properties of produced titanium-nickel intermetallic surfaces. This study focuses on Ni deposited onto pure Ti surfaces for improvement of surface wear, hardness, and corrosion properties while retaining uncompromised Ti bulk characteristics. The surface of the coatings as well as properties of the interface are studied in order to understand resultant Nickel surface film characteristics as well as the intermetallic formation within the interface. Microstructure, morphology, wear and corrosion properties, and phases are studied via electron microscopy, profilometry, x-ray diffraction, anodic polarization, and wear testing. The EPP cleaning of Ti is briefly outlined and supported by literature and findings of fellow UTA Surface and Nanoengineering Laboratory (SaNEL) researchers.