Metal Matrix Composite Coatings Based on Ni Matrix and Biosilica Filers Obtained from Rice Husks

Abstract

Electrochemically deposited nickel coatings fromsulfamate baths without/with lab-made biosilica (SiO2) particles onthe Si(100) substrate were produced. Different galvanostaticregimes were used: direct current (DC), pulse current (PC), andpulse-reverse current (PRC) regimes. The phase structure of thesynthesized silica nanoparticles from rice husks was obtained usingXRD and FE-SEM. The MMC-Ni/SiO2 and free Ni coatings werecharacterized using FE-SEM, AFM, the micro indentation Vickerstechnique, and the drop sessile method in order to investigatestructure, roughness, microhardness, and wettability. The optimaldeposition parameters were obtained with an emphasis on theirpotential application as micro mounting coatings.