Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Nickel-Iron-Tungsten Alloy Electrodeposits PART I: Effect of Synthesis Parameters on Chemical Composition, Microstructure and Morphology

Abstract

Kinetic and operational electrolysis parameters determine the polarization characteristics, electrodeposition current efficiency, morphology, chemical composition and microstructure of nickel/iron/tungsten alloy deposits. The alloys electrodeposited at a current density of 50 mA cm(-2) to 1000 mA cm(-2) contain an amorphous phase and nanocrystals of an FCC solid solution of iron and tungsten in nickel. During annealing at temperatures above 500 degrees C, amorphous phase crystallization, crystalline grain growth of the FCC phase and a reduction in both internal microstrain and minimum density of chaotically distributed dislocations take place in the alloy. Milling the spongy deposit of the alloy causes amorphous phase crystallization, FCC-phase crystalline grain growth, and size reduction and rounding of powder particles.