Suspension stability studies for the electrophoretic deposition of boron films

Abstract

In this paper suspension stability was studied for different dispersion media w.r.t. pH. The effect of boron addition with different weights on the pH of the media was studied. The effect of agitation on suspension pH was studied. The sedimentation rate was studied with the help of optical method using laser beam. The sedimentation rate is determined to optimize the parameters of suspension solution for electrophoretic deposition of boron films. Theoretical and experimental values of sedimentation rate are calculated and compared. The effect of iodine as an additive on the suspension stability was also studied. The electrophoretic deposition technique was applied for the production of boron coatings on Stainless steel substrates by using an optimized suspension solution of boron powder (particle size 200 mesh ∼74 μm) in a suitable dispersion media. The main parameters that affect the deposition rate of the process and the quality of coatings produced are pH value of the media, weight of the boron added in the suspension solution, applied voltage and additive used, which were investigated and optimized. The coatings produced were characterized and investigated for possible phase and structure formation by XRD. The SEM study of these electrophoretically deposited boron film was also done.