Effect of Additives on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nickel Plate/Mask Fabricated by Electroforming Process

Abstract

We fabricated a Ni plate by the electroforming process and evaluated the effects of the addition of brighteners to the electrolyte on its microstructure and mechanical properties. It was found that the microstructure and mechanical properties varied considerably with the different combinations of brighteners added (i.e., the addition of class-I, class-II, or both class-I and class-II brighteners). The grain size and degree of crystallization of the Ni plate decreased when the class-I or class-II brightener was added, while the degree of crystallization decreased even further and the degree of preferred (002) orientation decreased when both the class-I and class-II brighteners were added. These results are thought to be due to the “inhibited process,” which was accelerated by the presence of both additives. In addition, the hardness, yield strength, and wear properties increased when the brighteners were added. The highest mechanical properties (a hardness of , yield strength of , and friction coefficient of 0.66) were obtained when both the class-I and class-II brighteners were added, which is probably due to the fine grain, poor degree of crystallization, and smooth surface.