Structural, adhesion and electrochemical characterization of electroless plated Ni-P-carbon black composite films on API 5L X80 steel

Abstract

In this work, composite Ni-P-carbon black coatings were obtained by electroless deposition on API 5L X80 substrates. The effect of carbon black on structural, adhesion and electrochemical properties of the plated samples was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out to examine the top surface and cross section of the films. Scratch tests were employed to evaluate coating adhesion properties. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were carried out to investigate the global electrochemical behavior of the deposited layers. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was employed to measure local electrochemical activity over the coated surfaces. The carbon black concentration markedly affects the morphology, adhesion and electrochemical properties of the Ni-P-carbon black layers. The results point to an optimum carbon black content to achieve the best performance against corrosion. The coatings obtained at a carbon black concentration of 0.25 g L21 provided the best protection ability. The results are discussed with respect to coating morphology, adhesion and electrochemical activity.