Parameters influencing the electrodeposition of a Ni-Cu coating on Fe powders. II. Effect of particle size fraction,suspension density and rotation speed

The composition of a two-component Ni-Cu coating and the efficiency of its electrochemical deposition on Fe powder was studied by constant current electrolysis. A fluidized bed arrangement was applied. The variable parameters were: the particle size fraction, the density of the suspension of the Fe powder in the plating bath, and the intensity of the stirring of the fluidized bed. Both the Cu and Ni contents in the deposit decrease with increase in the particle size, and with decrease in the suspension density. Thus, the surface area available for the electrochemical process proved to be of high importance. Another important factor is the quality of the contacts of the powder particles with the current carrying compact electrode during which the deposition of Ni is preferred. This influence is manifested in a decrease of the Ni-Cu ratio in the deposit with an increase in the particle size and rotation speed and, consequently, with a decrease in the suspension density. The current efficiency values on the powder for optimum conditions reached 80%.