2.1.2026 Predicting pulsed current parameters to produce nickel coatings with fine-grained textures

manager — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:19:28 +0000

2. Predicting pulsed current parameters to produce nickel coatings with fine-grained textures

Date of receipt of the article for publication: 06.08.2026

Date of acceptance of the article for publication after review: 18.09.2026

Date of publication: 02.11.2026

ISSN: 2617-5525

e-ISSN: 2617-5533

Authors:

Zabludovskyi V. O.¹, Titarenko V. V.²

ORCID authors:

Zabludovskyi V. O.¹ ORCID, Titarenko V. V.² ORCID

Organization:

Page: Kosm. teh. Raket. vooruž. 2026, (1); 14-22

Language: Ukrainian

Annotation: The paper investigates how the parameters of a pulsed unipolar current infl uence the process of applying nickel coatings by electrodeposition, as well as their structure, substructure, mechanical properties, and protective features, with a view to developing coatings for highly loaded components of rocket and space technologies. Based on comprehensive electrochemical and mechanical studies involving metallography and X-ray diff raction, the optimum parameters of a pulsed electrodeposition process have been determined to produce nickel coatings with fi ne-grained textures that feature high microhardness, adhesion strength, and corrosion resistance. The paper shows that, compared to coating deposition using direct current, the application of pulsed current promotes the formation of a more even and smoother surface that is free from typical defects. It has been found that non-equilibrium crystallization conditions produce fi ne-grained textures that feature fast rates of nucleation, highly defective substructures, smaller mosaic block size, and layered structures in cross-section. A pulsed current density amplitude of 15 to 50 A/dm² yields the best properties of coatings, including high refl ectivity and minimum porosity. The paper demonstrates that the pulse repetition frequency signifi cantly infl uences the concentration of crystal lattice defects, as well as the dislocation density and hydrogen content in coatings. Low frequencies generate a supersaturated solid hydrogen solution, leading to increased internal stresses and coating cracking. Higher pulse frequencies decrease the extent of hydrogen adsorption, resulting in more stable coating substructures and better mechanical properties. The authors have determined an optimal pulse duration at which the crystal nucleation rate exceeds the crystal growth rate, thereby promoting the formation of a fi ne-grained texture. The microhardness of coatings deposited at the optimal pulsed current parameters reaches 4 300 MPa, which is almost three times higher than in coatings deposited using direct current. Moreover, the adhesion strength of electrodeposited coatings attains 650 MPa. The coatings retain their excellent mechanical properties and low porosity after accelerated corrosion testing. Better mechanical and protective properties result from the highly defective fi ne-grained texture, a reduced content of hydrogen, and the layered coating structure. The fi ndings of the research can be used to predict the parameters of an electrodeposition process using pulsed current to apply nickel coatings to components that operate under extreme conditions, particularly components in rocket and space technologies that experience severe thermomechanical and corrosive loads.

Key words: electrodeposition, pulsed current, nickel coatings, texture, properties

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