Considering the increasing interest in utilising nanoparticles (NPs) for advanced, safe, and sustainable coatings, this paper addresses the toxicological concerns associated with nickel–silicon carbide (Ni–SiC) electroplated nanocomposite coatings as an alternative to conventional chromium electrodeposition. We present Ni–SiC nanocomposite coatings as potential substitutes and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the impact of impregnated SiC particles on coating properties. Specifically, we examined the aging of Ni-Watts type and Ni Watts–SiC nanocomposite coatings in various environmental and biological media. Our release and transformation data indicate an enhanced release and transformation of Ni in the simulated media (e.g., up to 200 μg mL⁻¹ in cell culture media) and the formation of NiO and Ni(OH)₂ species as confirmed by XPS analysis. Transmission electron microscopy data reveal the release of SiC NPs in the respective simulated aging medium. The Ni ion release from Ni-Watts type and Ni–SiC nanocomposite coatings was also investigated in silico to support safe-by-design (SbD) approaches in the development of nanoalloys for electroplating. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay according to ISO shows a significant reduction in cell viability for Ni–SiC nanocomposite coated samples (up to 80% after 72 hours) compared to standalone Ni-Watts type electroplated coatings (up to 20% after 72 hours). Our findings suggest that the co-deposition of Ni with SiC NPs enhances Ni release, which is a major factor in causing toxicity. These results could be pivotal in the adoption of safe and sustainable by design principles within the electroplating industry. This paper contributes to the fields of nanotoxicology and surface coatings, providing a foundation for designing and optimising environmentally friendly, high-performance coatings with broad industrial applications.

中文翻译：

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Ni-SiC 纳米颗粒电镀涂层是硬铬的更安全替代品吗？一项全面的衰老、毒性和计算机研究，旨在通过设计评估安全性


考虑到人们对将纳米颗粒 （NPs） 用于先进、安全和可持续涂层的兴趣日益浓厚，本文解决了与镍-碳化硅 （Ni-SiC） 电镀纳米复合涂层作为传统铬电沉积的替代品相关的毒理学问题。我们将 Ni-SiC 纳米复合涂层作为潜在的替代品，并对浸渍 SiC 颗粒对涂层性能的影响进行了全面研究。具体来说，我们研究了 Ni-Watts 型和 Ni Watts-SiC 纳米复合涂层在各种环境和生物介质中的老化情况。我们的释放和转化数据表明，模拟培养基中 Ni 的释放和转化增强（例如，在细胞培养基中高达 200 μg ^mL-1）以及 NiO 和 Ni（OH）₂ 物质的形成，XPS 分析证实了这一点。透射电子显微镜数据揭示了 SiC NPs 在相应模拟老化介质中的释放。还在计算机中研究了 Ni-Watts 型和 Ni-SiC 纳米复合涂层的 Ni 离子释放，以支持开发用于电镀的纳米合金的 sb-design （SbD） 方法。根据 ISO 的体外细胞毒性测定显示，与独立的 Ni-Watts 型电镀涂层相比（72 小时后高达 20%），Ni-SiC 纳米复合涂层样品的细胞活力显著降低（72 小时后高达 80%）。我们的研究结果表明，Ni 与 SiC NPs 的共沉积增强了 Ni 的释放，这是引起毒性的主要因素。这些结果对于在电镀行业内采用安全和可持续的设计原则可能至关重要。 该论文为纳米毒理学和表面涂层领域做出了贡献，为设计和优化具有广泛工业应用的环保、高性能涂层奠定了基础。