PULSED ELECTRODEPOSITION OF ZINC IN MAGNETIC-FIELDS - DIFFUSION LAYER RELAXATION FOLLOWED BY LASER INTERFEROMETRY

The pulsed galvanostatic deposition of zinc was carried out in the presence and absence of an externally applied magnetic field of 0.43 T. The concentration time profiles and the relaxation of the cathodic diffusion layer during the pulsing sequence have been determined by using laser interferometry. When, in the pulsing mode, longer 'off' periods compared to the 'on' periods were used, significantly greater relaxation of the diffusion layer was observed. The fringe shift time profiles for the electrodes kept in the vertical or anode over cathode positions are influenced by the hydrodynamic effect; the magnetic field effect on the relaxation of the diffusion layer has been observed. The electrodeposited Zn has been analysed by scanning electron microscopy; the Zn deposit obtained by pulsed current electrolysis in the cathode over anode position is dense and uniform. © 1990 Chapman and Hall Ltd.