Designing nickel coatings for water erosion performance: Optimisation of grain size and thickness Articles uri icon

authors

  • Gaddavalasa, Nithin Chandra
  • Lodh, Arijit
  • CINI, ANDREA
  • Saaran, Vinodhen
  • Mehmanparast, Ali
  • Starr, Andrew
  • Castelluccio, Gustavo M.

publication date

  • June 2025

start page

  • 1

end page

  • 16

volume

  • 175

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1350-6307

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-1961

abstract

  • Metallic coatings are gaining interest as an alternative to classical polymeric layers for erosion damage prevention due to their extended durability and sustainability. However, their implementation requires a thorough understanding of protective potential and reliability. This study explores the use of brush-plated nickel coatings on carbon-fibre reinforced composites to enhance their performance against water erosion. A combination of experimental analysis and computational modelling explores the effect of different coating thickness and properties to withstand water droplet erosion damage. Findings reveal a minimum critical coating thickness around 40 μm can significantly improve the erosion resistance.

subjects

  • Aeronautics
  • Materials science and engineering

keywords

  • composite; electrodeposition; nickel coatings; rain erosion