Tungsten-Cobalt Alloy Electrodeposition: Optimizing Hardness Through Experimental Design

Authors

  • Silvia Clavijo Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
  • Gabriela Tudela Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
  • Alejandro Cavagnola Investigaciones Aplicadas INVAP S.E.
  • María José Santillán Facultad de Ingeniería - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
  • Francisco Membrives Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo

Abstract

Electrodeposition of thin films of Co–W alloys was carried out on flat metallic substrates. The aim of this work is to study the possibility of replacing hard chromium coatings with Co–W alloys films as protection against corrosion. The effect of some process parameters on the weight of alloy deposited on mild steel in a typical electroplating process is reported. Taguchi method of robust design is a reliable of determining the optimal manufacturing parameters for the improved hardness of the material. The surface morphologies of Co–W alloy deposits was studied before and after heat treatment by light microscopy. Properties of the alloys such as microhardness and corrosion resistance were also examined and compared with hard chromium deposits on the same substrate obtained by electrodeposition.  An evaluation of the material properties shows that the most significant effects on the hardness of Co–W alloys are related to temperature and the concentration of cobalt salts.

Published

06-12-2021