The Electrocrystallization of Nanonickel

We investigated the micro-and nanostructure, microhardness and wear resistance of d.c.-plated Ni electrodeposits prepared from high-and low-concentrate electrolysing Watts-type baths, also with KCl instead of NiCl 2 , withor without organic compounds, on a Cu substrate, which was subsequently removed from the deposits. Increasing current density and temperature increased grain dimensions and decreased wear resistance. When the type of bath was changed, particularly when organic compounds were added, the deposit grain size was found to decrease markedly, until deposits with an average grain size of about 20 and 50 mn were obtained. In discussing the factors controlling deposit grain size, it is concluded that the presence of organic compounds in the bath may play a decisive role.