The Effects of Pulsed Current Parameters on Porosity of Copper Prepared by Jet Electrodeposition

Abstract

Surface texturing has become an increasingly prevalent approach to improve the tribological properties of materials. The present work aims to study a novel texturing technology. A copper coating with a porous surface structure was directly prepared on stainless steel using a copper sulfate solution bath via high-speed jet electrodeposition. A fine, uniform honeycomb structure with micron sized pores can be achieved using a pulsed current. The duty cycle, current density and current frequency of the pulsed current have a notable influence on the microstructure of the deposited surface. Decreasing the duty cycle and increasing the current density can help to achieve a homogeneous and fine porous surface. The mechanism for depositing a porous surface was discussed according to the roles of the current parameters in the formation of the coating microstructure.

A novel method of effectively fabricating the micro-objects by selective jet electrodeposition (SJED)

“…It is observed that the value of the current increases with an increase in voltage. The increased applied voltage also leads to an increase in the size of the nodules (Fan et al , 2019b; Tian et al , 2010), as observed in the FESEM morphology images of the deposited bead surfaces [Figures 7(c), 8(c) and 9(c)]. In addition, a rise in voltage causes the entire deposited layer to grow in a cellular manner, which is followed by larger grain size, increased surface roughness, decreased density and worsened surface flatness, as observed in the surface morphology analysis by 3D profilometer [Figures 7(b), 8(b) and 9(b)].…”