Thermal stability, phase decomposition, and micro-fatigue properties of pulsed electrodeposited nanocrystalline Co-Cu

Abstract

Nanocrystalline (nc) immiscible Co-Cu alloys system is a promising material where the decomposition of the super-saturated solid solution can be used to obtain nano-structured materials. In this research, homogenous and solid nc Co-Cu thick films were synthesized through the pulsed electrodeposition technique in complex sodium tartrate electrolyte. Annealing procedures were conducted to evaluate its thermal stability and induce phase decomposition of cobalt and copper, which can be utilized to enhance mechanical properties and thermal stability. Initial cyclic micro-bending experiments were also conducted to observe micro-fatigue properties and structural evolution during mechanical loading.