Electrodeposition of zirconia particles in a copper matrix

Electrochemical codeposition is one of the most important methods of providing composites with metallic or nonmetallic compounds as a second phase, in a metallic matrix or nonmetallic matrix. Composite coatings can be prepared by electrodeposition from an electrolytic solution containing a suspension of insoluble ZrO2 particles. Interesting applications have been developed for wear resistance, dry lubrication, anticorrosion, dispersion hardening, and electrocatalysis. The aim of the present study is to obtain a better understanding of the effects of the dispersed particles on the mechanism of copper electrocrystallization and on the incorporation rate of dispersed phase in the deposit. Cathodic polarization curves in electrolytes with and without dispersed particles were plotted to identify their influence in the process of metal electrodeposition. The effect of the operating parameters (current density, concentration of the dispersed phase in the electrolyte) on the concentration of the dispersed phase in the composite layer is described by means of simple mathematical equations.