Distribution of charge in the process of coating Fe powder by electrolysis in a fluidized bed

Theoretical calculations of the amount of Ni that is applied electrolytically in the form of a coating on Fe powder particles in a fluidized bed are based upon the assumption of distribution of charge between the surface of the solid cathode and the powder particles present in the working volume of the electrolyte. The experimentally measured data show good agreement with theory. The efficiency of the coating process is rather low because of inhibition of the process by hydroxocomplexes formed in the course of electrolysis. The inhibition effect becomes more significant in the case of high suspension density, small powder particles, high current density, and prolonged time of electrolysis. Received: 5 May 1997 / Accepted: 30 June 1997