Abstract: To enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of Ni-based coatings on Mg alloys, an oleic-acid-modified Y₂O₃ (OA@Y₂O₃) nano-lubricant-infused composite coating (OA@Y₂O₃-SLIPS) was developed through branching growth of nickel stearate (SA-Ni) films on Ni-based coating surfaces and injection of OA@Y₂O₃ nano-lubricant. Branched growth of SA-Ni on the Ni-based coatings formed a film with corrosion-barrier properties that also acted as an anchor for nano-lubricant injection. Introducing OA@Y₂O₃ nanoparticles enhanced the barrier effect of the lubricant, its shear-thinning ability, and consequently its storability and fluidity. The protective double film of SA-Ni and OA@Y₂O₃ nano-lubricants improved the corrosion resistance of Ni-based coatings on Mg alloys. Tribological studies showed that the lubricating effect of OA@Y₂O₃ ball bearings and the slip-shear property of SA-Ni improved the wear resistance of the coatings, decreasing the wear rate to 8.9 × 10^-6 mm³/(N m). This work provides design ideas for expanding the application of Ni-based coatings on Mg alloys to meet the corrosion-resistance needs of complex service environments.

Key words: Magnesium alloy, Nano-lubricant, Coating, Corrosion resistance, Wear resistance