Recent developments in the electrodeposition of nickel and some nickel-based alloys

Abstract

The numerous theoretical and practical studies of the electrodeposition of nickel and its binary and selected ternary alloys with copper and cobalt over the last 10-15 years are reviewed. The reported mechanisms of the electrodeposition processes and accompanying evolution of hydrogen are considered. The complex influence of different bath compositions, pHs, current densities or potential ranges and temperature on the formation of single or multiple deposition layers are compared. The determination of the structure and morphology of the deposits on different substrates, including solid surfaces and particulate materials, using a range of analytical techniques are reported.

Corrosion tests of nickel coatings prepared from a Watts-type bath

“…The general observation that one can make based on the SEM images is that the grain size of the Ni layers increases with the current density used in the electrodeposition experiments. This result is contradictory to previously reported results, [7][8][9][10][11] in which the grain size of the deposits was reported to decrease with increasing the current density. This behavior can be attributed to the increase of the nucleation and growth rates with increases in the current density.…”

“…[5][6][7] These properties of the Ni coatings depend on the surface structure of deposits (particularly on the preferred orientation and on the grain size). [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The physical and mechanical properties of nickel deposited from a Watts bath are affected by the electrodeposition parameters, such as current density, pH, cathode material, electrolyte agitation, deposition time, and electrolyte temperature, among others. 15,16 Pure nickel is ductile and tough because it possesses a face-centered cubic crystalline structure at temperatures below its melting point.…”

Electroplating for Decorative Applications: Recent Trends in Research and Development

“…The nickel-free appellation refers to the fact that all products are completely free of the metal both on the surface and in the underlying layers, alone or in alloy with other metals. The term hypoallergenic, on the other hand, refers to an object that has an internal layer of nickel or an external nickel alloy, but which, if subjected to conditions of strong corrosion, does not release this metal [77,78].…”

Experimental Design and Response Surface Analysis as Available Tools for Statistical Modeling and Optimization of Electrodeposition Processes

“…This method is generally considered an economically interesting and easily controlled process to protect and enhance the functionality of parts used in diverse industries (home appliances, jewelry, automotive, aircraft/aerospace, and electronics) in both decorative and engineering applications. It promotes the appearance, extends the life, and improves the performance of materials and products in different media (Schwartz, 1994;Oriňáková et al, 2006). Despite these applications, electrodeposition methods have, for decades, been industrially regarded as a means for the mass production of cheap materials and not for the production of advanced materials with high values.…”

“…For example, electrodeposited Cu is the material of choice for the interconnects in ultra-large-scale integrated (ULSI) circuits, and electrodeposited soft magnetic alloys are an important component of magnetic recording heads (Schwarzacher, 2004;Yoshida et al, 2009). In fact, the deposition of alloy coatings is one of the most rapidly expanding topics in the current literature (Oriňáková et al, 2006;Santana et al, 2006Dubent, 2007;Ferreira et al, 2007;Silva et al, 2008;Brankovic et al, 2009;Gupta & Podlaha, 2010, Düzgün et al, 2010. Compared to the electrodeposition of a single metal, alloy coatings show better properties because their chemical composition can be varied to the required function.…”