Impact of Cathodic Potential on the Growth Mechanisms and Morphology of Ni–P Alloys Using Electrodeposition Technique

Phosphorus nickel alloy, intended for anticorrosion coating, was prepared and deposited at room temperature on copper substrate by chronoamperometry technique in a sulphate bath. The effect of potential on the chemical composition, nucleation and growth, the structure and surface morphology during the electrodeposition of this alloy was presented in this work. X-ray microanalysis showed that the content of phosphorus in the prepared alloys decreases with increasing cathodic potential. Chronoamperograms analysis indicated that the nucleation process is instantaneous and of three-dimensional (3D) growth and is controlled by kinetics. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed an amorphous structure while SEM images showed a smooth appearance with pore presence.