A New Method for Electroplating of Crack-Free Chromium Coatings

Abstract

<em>In this study, different amounts of MoS₂particles and an anionic surfactant were added to the conventional chromium electroplating bath in order to electrodeposite crack-free chromium coatings and the structure, morphology, tribology and corrosion behavior of the deposited coatings were investigated using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pin on disk wear test method, dynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The results showed that the incorporation of MoS₂ particle into the electrodeposited Cr coatings is impossible and no chromium coating can be electroplated from baths containing more than 5 g/L MoS₂ particles. In addition, as the MoS₂ concentration in the bath increases up to 1 g/L the corrosion and wear resistance of the deposited coatings increases. Moreover, those coatings that were electroplated from the baths <em>containing more than 1 g/L exhibited less performance regarding their corrosion and wear behavior.</em></em>