The Research and Development of the External Magnetic Field Acting on Electro-Deposition Process

Abstract

Abstract. The research and development status of the electro-deposition technology under the action of external magnetic field are introduced. The basic characteristics and applied manners of external magnetic field in electrodeposition process are summarized. The acting principle of external magnetic field, the effects of magnetic hydrodynamics (MHD) caused by the Lorentz force, and the acting of magnetic force on the metal ions and particles are described. The main actions of external magnetic field include MHD effect, magnetizing force, affecting the physical and chemical properties of the bath, affecting the disperse ability and coverage capacity of bath, affecting the mass transfer process of electro-deposition, affecting the chemical reaction process and current distribution of electrode surface. Some examples of electro-depositing single metal coatings, alloy coatings and composite coatings under action of magnetic field are explained. During the electro-depositing process, the external magnetic field has different degrees of impact on solution properties, mass transfer, charge transfer, content of composited nanoparticles, crystal growth and crystal orientation etc. The specific impact of magnetic field during the electro-depositing is also classified and summarized. The problems that existed in electro-deposition process while applying magnetic field and the next development trend were summarized.