Ni–Co/SiO₂ composite coating was electrodeposited on the steel substrate. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The microhardness of the composite coatings was studied by variation of the electroplating parameters, such as the pulse current (PC) and direct current (DC) electrodeposition methods, deposition temperature, electrolyte pH, concentration of surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Zeta potential of SiO₂ particles measurements was performed with various pH, SDS, and CTAB concentrations. The data depict that the hardness of Ni–Co/SiO₂ nanocomposite coatings manufactured by PC electrodeposition increases with the increase of bath temperature, pH, SDS, and CTAB concentration up to 50°C, 4.6, 0.3, and 0.2 g/L, respectively. Beyond mentioned optimum values, the microhardness of nanocomposite coating decreases. Using DC method led to reduce the microhardness. Utilizing SiO₂ microparticles instead of SiO₂ nanoparticles for reinforcing resulted in declining the microhardness. The friction coefficient and wear results demonstrated that using PC method and nanosized particles led to reduce the friction coefficient and increase the resistance to wear. Anodic polarization results illustrated that using SiO₂ nanoparticles and PC method to prepare coating caused corrosion resistance of coating in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution to enhance.

Ni–Co/SiO₂ nanocomposite coating was deposited on the steel substrate by pulse electrodeposition method. The coatings were characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy technique, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray map (dispersive elemental mapping) analysis. The influences of stirring rate, pH and SiO₂ concentration parameters on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were studied. The zeta potential of SiO₂ nanoparticles was decreased by mounting the pH and also adsorption of the surfactant SDS. Microhardness, friction coefficient, wear and anodic polarisation were determined through Buhler microhardness tester, pin-on-disc wear test and potentiostat galvanic device, respectively. By applying optimum electrodeposition condition (stirring rate 200 rev min⁻¹, pH 4.6 and SiO₂ concentration 20 gL⁻¹) incorporation of SiO₂ particles into the nickel–cobalt matrix increases which results in the preparation of coatings with high microhardness and corrosion resistance, low friction coefficient and wear mass loss.

In this work, the performance of modified cement by nanostructures consisting of boron nitride (BN) and iron oxide inorganic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) was analyzed. The mechanical strength, electrical resistivity, and the degree of cement hydration as well as the microstructure were investigated in detail. A hybrid filler boron nitride-iron oxide (BN–F) composed of Fe₃O₄and BN was successfully synthesized using a chemical reaction. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results showed proper binding of BN–F nanostructures. Addition of the hybrid nanostructured BN–F5 (containing 0.5 wt.% Fe₃O₄and 0.5 wt.% BN) into the cement matrix increased the compressive strength and flexural strength by 65%, and 74%, respectively, after 28 days of curing. The improvement in mechanical strength is attributed to the increased surface friction induced by the Fe₃O₄nanoparticles on the BN surfaces, resulting in increased interaction with the matrix. Microstructural studies, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), showed the formation of a dense structure due to improved dispersion in the cement environment and hybrid performance in preventing crack growth, which is the main reason for the overall improvement in mechanical properties. The concrete resistance gauge (RCON, Giatec) and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) tests revealed a significant increase in thermal and electrical conductivity in composite reinforced with nanostructured BN–F.