Preparation and characterization of electroless Ni-P-Fe₃O₄ composite coatings and evaluation of its high temperature oxidation behaviour

Ni-P coatings modified with synthetic magnetite were prepared by electroless technique from a Ni-P plating bath containing magnetite powder. The coatings morphology was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The corrosion resistance at room temperature of the Ni-P films modified with magnetite was evaluated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), where the composite films exhibited a better behaviour. The films resistance to high temperature oxidation was evaluated by cyclic oxidation tests, SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), where the coating with iron oxides appears to be more protective.