Conclusion
A novel Ni-Co-TiO2 nano-composite coating was electrodeposited
by utilizing an innovative sol-enhanced method. The
microhardness has been significantly increased to ~834 HV
comparing with ~651 HV of Ni-Co coating. The wear resistance and
corrosion resistance of this sol-enhanced coating have also been
improved significantly. By adding proper amount of sol solution
into the electrolyte, TiO2 nano-particles with a size of ~15 nm were
highly dispersed within the coating matrix, resulting in a signifi-
cant dispersion strengthening effect. Excessive of sol addition
caused a porous structure, resulting in a deterioration of dispersion
strengthening effect and decreasing corrosion resistance. Furthe investigations are being conducted to study the magnetic property
of this novel Ni-Co-TiO2 nano-composite coating in order to
broaden its application.