2026 Dias NiCo Pulse Electrodeposition (1)

Ni-Co alloy coatings exhibit well-known properties, including mechanical, wear, and anticorrosive resistances, high magnetic performance, thermal stability at high temperatures, and good adhesion. However, their hydrophilic characteristics hinder applications in high-humidity conditions, such as solar panels or anti-freeze systems. This study aims to produce hydrophobic Ni-Co coatings deposited on carbon steel via simple pulsed current (SPC) electrodeposition from sodium tartrate baths. An anomalous deposition process was identified, with morphological changes from granular to needle-like grains correlating with increased duty cycle (c) and frequency (F). The results indicated that optimal conditions for producing improved hydrophobic and anticorrosive coatings were F = 2000 Hz and c = 50%, resulting in a roughness (Rq) of 1.244 µm, a contact angle (CA) of 109.72°, and charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 3001 Ω cm². These findings contribute to the understanding of the deposition process and the performance enhancement of Ni-Co coatings in humid environments.