Electrodeposition of FeW-graphene composites: Effect of graphene oxide concentration on microstructure, hardness and corrosion properties
Antonio Mulone, Zhenyuan Xia, Uta Klement
Abstract
Graphene has emerged as excellent reinforcement for electrodeposited metallic composites. The poor stability of graphene in electrochemical baths makes it challenging to obtain uniform composite coatings. In this work, we investigate the possibility to electrodeposit FeW-graphene coatings with organic stablizers. Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride is selected to stabilize the graphene oxide which is added into the electrolyte in various concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman analysis confirmed the successful co-deposition of graphene in all the coatings. The composition of the FeW matrix remained unaffected by the addition of graphene, while an increase in the crystallinity of the structure of the composites was observed. Graphene was retained even after the coatings were heat treated at 400 °C for 1 hour. The hardness and the corrosion resistance of the FeW-graphene composite were largely improved: a 22% increase in hardness and an 80% increase in corrosion resistance were measured compared to the graphene-free coating.