Effect of TiC Addition on Microstructure and Performances of Double Pulse Electrodeposited Ni-TiC Coatings

Nickel–titanium carbide (Ni-TiC) coatings were synthesized on Q235 steel via double-pulse electrodeposition to enhance surface properties. The influence of TiC concentration on surface morphology, microstructure, and performance was systematically studied using SEM, TEM, XRD, microhardness testing, wear analysis, and electrochemical methods. At low TiC concentrations (2–4 g/L), the coatings exhibited typical cell-like morphology. At 8 g/L, the coating showed a dense structure, refined grains, and broad Ni diffraction peaks. TEM analysis revealed nickel and TiC grain sizes of 97.82 nm and 34.75 nm, respectively. The plating rate remained stable (~36.94 mg·cm−2·h−1), while surface roughness increased with TiC content. The 8 g/L TiC coating achieved the highest microhardness (743.13 HV), lowest wear loss (5.43%), and superior corrosion resistance, with a self-corrosion current density of 5.27 × 10−6 A·cm−2 and polarization resistance of 7705.62 Ω·cm2. These enhancements are attributed to uniform TiC dispersion and grain boundary pinning. Thus, 8 g/L TiC is optimal for fabricating Ni-TiC coatings with improved mechanical and electrochemical performance. This work demonstrates a practical strategy for developing high-performance Ni-based composite coatings via double-pulse electrodeposition.