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

Abstract

Electrochemically deposited nickel coatings from sulfamate baths without/with lab-made biosilica (SiO2) particles on the Si(100) substrate were produced. Different galvanostatic regimes were used: direct current (DC), pulse current (PC), and pulse-reverse current (PRC) regimes. The phase structure of the synthesized silica nanoparticles from rice husks was obtained using XRD and FE-SEM. The MMC-Ni/SiO2 and free Ni coatings were characterized using FE-SEM, AFM, the micro indentation Vickers technique, and the drop sessile method in order to investigate structure, roughness, microhardness, and wettability. The optimal deposition parameters were obtained with an emphasis on their potential application as micro mounting coatings.