CuNi-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposite coatings were effectively produced on stainless steel substrates using pulse plating. This study examines the influence of CNT concentrations (300 and 600 mg/L) on the microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion behavior of CuNi alloy coatings. The addition of CNTs enhances the deposition rate for composite coatings at concentrations of 300 and 600 mg/L by 20 % and 23 %, respectively, in comparison to the alloy coating. The average surface roughness of CuNi-CNT coatings rose from 8 nm to 10–17 nm following the incorporation of nanoparticles. The microhardness of nanocomposite coatings at CNT concentrations of 300 and 600 mg/L increased by 12.7 % and 21.8 %, respectively, in comparison to the CuNi coating. Conversely, electrochemical findings indicated that the incorporation of CNT serves as a physical barrier on the coating surface, impeding the ingress of corrosive liquid, as evidenced by the diminished corrosion current density and the augmented charge transfer resistance of composite coatings relative to alloy coatings. The CuNi600 mg/L CNT sample exhibited the highest values of microhardness and corrosion resistance. These findings demonstrate that CNT reinforcement markedly enhances the performance of CuNi coatings, rendering them appropriate for applications necessitating increased durability and protection.
