Preparation of Porous Metallic Nickel by Jet Electrodeposition

The theory and related technology of porous metallic nickel by using jet electrodeposition (JED) are reviewed, and preparation of different porosities of the porous metallic nickel samples was made by the self-developed device. The surface morphology, microstructure, grain size of the micro-cell structure of deposition were studied and analyzed by SEM, and the mechanical properties of the sample, such as surface micro hardness and compressive property were also studied. The results are as follows: the process of porous nickel preparation by jet electrodeposition mentioned in paper is capable of preparing porous metal with dendritic crystal structure as the subject porous structure. Ejection electrodeposition has great advantages in machining efficiency and cost compared with porous metal preparation process of traditional electrodeposition. The porous nickel metal sample prepared, in respects of pore distribution and porosity, are affected by electrodeposited porous dendritic crystal layers. The formula Bath A, which has a relatively low concentration of nickel ions, can make the preparation of porous dendrite structure more favorable in the way that it has more uniform compactness. Current density is the key indicator in forming ideal branched crystal; more than 60A/dm2 can make the process access to a good working state. With the increase in current density, the dendrite formation of porous structure becomes more compact. The porosity of the prepared sample is 48.7%, using jet scanning electrodeposition with the current density at 80A/dm2 . The surface micro hardness of the sample reaches HV 315. The compressive yield stress of porous Nickel is 11.35 MPa, which has a large number of plastic deformations of the absorption capacity. From original data of sample energy absorption rate and fitting curve, it is known that there comes great plastic deformation, which gives the sample better absorption ability and relatively greater energy absorption rate at a relatively low flow stress.Copyright © 2011 by ASME