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Description
The subject of the project concerns composite coatings with a Ni-B matrix and boron (B) or molybdenum sulphide (MoS2) as the dispersion phase. The coatings will be produced by chemical reduction method on a steel substrate from multi-component solutions. Boron will occur in two forms: an alloy component and nanoparticles incorporated into the matrix. It is planned to produce several variants of coatings differing in the content of the dispersion phase in the bath. The particles embedded in the matrix material will influence the structure and properties of the tested materials. Ultimately, it is planned to obtain materials with a hardness above 900 HK0.025. This hardness is achievable by the chromium coatings. However this kind of coatings has to be replaced with other materials due to the limitations expressed in EU Directives and REACH regulations. Other benefits of incorporating B or MoS2 particles will be an increase in wear resistance and an improvement in corrosion resistance compared to Ni-B coatings without embedded particles. The research plan assumes the production of Ni-B/B and Ni-B/MoS2 coatings with different parameters of the deposition process (bath composition and temperature, deposition time, mixing method, additives, etc.). Then, the produced materials will be characterized by scanning, light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, roughness parameters measurements, metallography, Knoop/Vickers hardness measurements, tribological tests, electrochemical corrosion tests. The coatings proposed will be manufactured on a laboratory scale and on a semi-technical scale galvanic line. The results of the project will be used for the scientific development of the Principal Investigator and the research team, as well as for the development of technology in order to apply the process and composite alloy coatings in the industry.