Projects Profile
Project Title
Nanocrystalline functionally-graded wear and corrosion resistant coatings
Partnership
Dr. S.C. Wang, Prof. R.J. Wood, Prof. F.C. Walsh and Prof. M.J. Starink
School of Engineering Sciences, The University of Southampton.
Prof. L.P. Wang, Prof Q.J. Xue and Prof. Weimin Liu
State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (LICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Project Aim
The aim of the project is to produce novel nanocrystalline multi-functional and functionally-graded coatings, using advanced electrodeposition techniques, for the replacement of commercial hard chromium used in anti-corrosion and anti-wear applications.
Inspiration for the projects
There is a pressing requirement for certain established plating processes to be substituted by more environmental-friendly techniques. Many alternative processes, substitute materials and new designs have been intensively studied, but few are as good as or superior to chromium coatings or they are much higher in cost.
The concept of generating Functioally Graded Deposits (FGDs ) by plating was proposed/reported in Lanzhou (our Chinese partner) in 2006. The new nanocrystalline Ni-Co / Ni-P functional deposits, with graded compositions and structure, have been synthesized using a direct current plating technique.
These new, environmentally friendly FGDs offer a wide range of structural and functional possibilities, particularly wear and fatigue resistance at high temperature. They will be useful for plating applications within a range of industries including automotive, aerospace and mining (e.g. engine components, hydraulic cylinders, rolls and machine tools).
Commercial Potential and Further Development
The prototype has been tested in the laboratory. The follow-on work will scale up the synthesis of FGDs and carry out the field tests. Professors Robert Wood and Frank Walsh have a long experience of industrial development and have established a well-developed professional relationship with Poeton Industries Ltd, a major international coating company. We will work closely with Poeton who have agreed to collaborate in the development of the new coating technique. We are confident that the follow-on results from our research will be transferred effectively to industry.
