College

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-04 07:38:53

Major

Chemical Engineering

Honors Course

4200:497

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2021

Abstract

Nickel-Tungsten (Ni-W) coatings via the pulse reverse current method have been under development as a potential replacement for typical Chromium/Cadmium coatings. To increase the effectiveness of Ni-W as a coating, dopants have been tested to decrease microcracks and pores and increase overall tribological performance. Previous research by Timken Engineered Surfaces Laboratory showed that Ni-W doped with TiO2 nanoparticles had a positive effect on coating performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the ideal solution parameters (i.e. TiO2 concentration, pH) to maximize the benefit of the dopant when samples are subjected to tribological testing. Here, solutions of varying concentrations at pH’s of 5 and 8 were subjected to X-ray Fluorescence, High Frequency Reciprocation, Infrared Spectroscopy, and other tribological testing methods. It was concluded that the sample at the highest concentrations tested, 30 g TiO2/L solution, at both pH 8 and pH 5 performed better in tribological testing, with the latter containing the highest titanium content. These findings indicate that the ratio of titanium in the coating directly affects the coatings performance. Recommendations for future research and refinement include optimizing the ratio of nickel to tungsten and performing rolling contact testing for the samples.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Gary L. Doll

First Reader

Dr. Barbara Fowler

Second Reader

Dr. Brandon Strahin

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Bi-min Zhang Newby

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