The research team of the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has successfully implemented the project "Research on fabrication of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant nickel-based nanocomposite coatings using brush plating technology".

Master Do Thanh Tung – project leader – stated: In the mechanical engineering sector, surface quality of components with wear resistance, heat resistance, cavitation resistance... plays a crucial role in determining the "service life" and reliability of machinery. Additionally, the increasing demand for equipment, coupled with high manufacturing costs, makes the restoration of damaged components that have lost their service value economically significant. Particularly, in chemical plants, equipment operating under harsh conditions often deteriorates rapidly due to the combined effects of chemical corrosion and mechanical wear.

Fabrication of nickel-based nanocomposite coating on component surface for wear resistance

To address this issue, factories have been implementing solutions such as replacing equipment with higher "service life" or repairing high-value assets. "While this approach meets equipment operational requirements, it also has certain drawbacks: replacement parts with longer service life are expensive; repair costs are high, requiring more time for equipment installation and adjustment; and production downtime is prolonged," said Master Do Thanh Tung.

Currently, advances in science and technology have introduced new, more effective technological solutions for corrosion-resistant coatings for machine components operating in harsh chemical environments. Brush plating coatings have been developed, offering the advantage of on-site repair, reducing production downtime for equipment repairs, and minimizing the time needed for system disassembly and adjustment.

Brush plating technology is one of the advanced surface treatment technologies that allows both dimensional restoration and the creation of surface quality ensuring hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Currently, applying brush plating technology to restore the surfaces of damaged components creates a high-durability metal layer on the component surface, protecting it from scratches, wear, and chemical corrosion.

With this technology, it is possible to deposit metal and re-plate worn machine components on-site. Brush plating technology can be used for 19 standard metals and alloys such as copper, nickel, chromium, etc.; it helps restore machine components of various shapes and sizes: holes, shafts, flat plates, etc.

After an extended period of research on the project, the research team has now mastered the technology of corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant nickel-based nanocomposite brush plating in chemical environments; mastered the fabrication process for nickel-based nanocomposite coatings to restore components operating in chemical environments: pumps, valves, rolling shafts, hydraulic cylinders, etc. Testing results at application facilities show that the coating provides excellent wear protection (extending equipment service life compared to older products) and has been highly evaluated by the application unit.

"The successful fabrication of nickel-based nanocomposite coatings on component surfaces for corrosion and wear resistance will have wide-ranging applications and is essential in chemical plants, paper mills, and the chemical industry," shared Master Do Thanh Tung.

Research on fabricating nickel-based nanocomposite coatings on component surfaces for wear and corrosion resistance in chemical environments is a novel proposal in Vietnam. The project has contributed to product localization, replacing imported goods, and actively meeting domestic demand.

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper at link: https://congthuong.vn/cong-nghe-ma-xoa-nang-cao-tuoi-tho-may-moc-154516.html