Abstract
This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters. The setup was optimised in order to increase the volume of particle incorporation. The optimised design focused on increasing the plating solution flow to avoid sedimentation, and as a result the particle transport experienced a three-fold increase when compared with the traditional setup. The influence of bath load, current density and the brush material used was investigated. Both current density and brush material have a significant impact on the morphology and composition of the coatings. Higher current densities and non-abrasive brushes produce rough, particle-rich samples. Different combinations of these two parameters influence the surface characteristics differently, as illustrated in a Structure Zone Diagram. Finally, surfaces featuring crevices and peaks incorporate between 3.5 and 20 times more particles than smoother coatings. The presence of such features has been quantified using average surface roughness Ra and Abbott-Firestone curves. The combination of optimised setup and rough surface increased the particle content of the composite to 28 at.%.
Highlights
This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters
The original liquid-based design was tested against the adapted design at two different stirring speeds (350 and 700 rpm) to evaluate improvement in particle transportation
Our observations show that regions between matrix nodules are more heavily populated by particles: these features seem to provide protection from the sweeping brush while serving as points for mechanical anchorage, where the particles remain until the matrix grows around them
Summary
This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters. Higher current densities and non-abrasive brushes produce rough, particle-rich samples Different combinations of these two parameters influence the surface characteristics differently, as illustrated in a Structure Zone Diagram. MMC coatings can be produced with any electroplating technique One such technique is brush plating, which does not require a tank to hold the solution. In comparison with traditional electroplating techniques, deposition rates with brush plating are higher (usually >×10), coatings obtained are usually harder, and a smaller amount of solution is used. It is common knowledge in the industry that using different cloth materials produces different results; to the best of our knowledge, only the influence of the length of the fibres has been reported until now[14] Another characteristic of brush plating is the use of a setup to pump the solution to the brush, collect and recirculate any excess. In order to improve particle transport, studies of solid-liquid two-phase flow should be considered
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
