Al2O3-nanoparticle distribution in plated nickel composite films

Electrolytic codeposition is a well-known and suitable process for the production of particle compound materials. Dispersion strengthened Ni-Films were obtained by codeposition of laser generated Al2O3-particles having a median particle diameter of 14 nm. The codeposition was achieved by adding the Al2O3-nanopowders to a typical sulfamate-bath before electroplating nickel on copper substrates. The deposited nickel compound films were separated from the substrate and prepared for TEM investigations by electrolytic jet polishing and ion milling. The size distribution of the nanoparticles in the films was determined and correlated with the size distribution of the employed nanopowder. As-plated n-Al2O3/Ni-specimens were also annealed at 850 degrees C for 20 h followed by measurements of the microhardness at ambient temperatures. (C)1999 Acta Metallurgica Inc.