Microhardness and Crystal Structure of Iron Films Electrodeposited from Iron (II) Chloride Solution

Summary

The relationship between microhardness and crystal structure was studied with respect to electrodeposited iron films obtained from iron(II) chloride solution under various electrolytic conditions. The deposits with a lower microhardness showed a preferred orientation of the (110) plane, and the microhardness and the orientation index of the (110) plane were represented by an approximately linear relationship. In order to obtain the deposits with a lower microhardness, it is necessary to electrolyze under a lower current density, at a higher temperature and in the solution with higher pH. The deposits obtained showed large crystal grains having a preferred orientation of the (110) plane. A dependence was revealed between microhardness and crystal structure of the deposits.