Electrodeposition of Composite Layers Consisting of Inert Inclusions in a Metal Matrix

Summary

The development of metal/polymer inclusion and metal/ceramic inclusion deposits over the last twenty years is reviewed and the shortcomings of current theories to predict the composition of the deposits are highlighted. The characteristics and applications of coatings such as Ni/PTFE, Ni/SiC, Ni/diamond, Cu/phenolic and Zn/polymer are illustrated by a description of deposits produced in the authors ‘laboratories. The possibility of produced novel coatings by temperature induced solid state diffusion within Ni/SiC coatings is demonstrated.

Keywords:

• Electrodeposition of composites
• Ni/PTFE layers
• Ni/SiC layers
• Ni/diamond layers
• Cu/phenolic layers
• Zn/polymer layers
• codeposition of inert particles
• fluorocarbon surfactants
• low friction, non-stick and wear resistant coatings
• codeposition of metal and inert particles

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kees Helle

Ir. Kees Helle obtained an Engineers Degree at the Technical University of Eindhoven in 1970, following studies on the growth of anodic layers on aluminium surfaces. He joined the AKZO organisation in the same year and has recently retired from the position of Senior Research Chemist in the ‘Surface Chemistry Corporate Research Division’ of the company. His R & D interests include the deposition of ceramic/metal and polymer/metal inclusion coatings, electroless and electroplated metal layers for wear resistance and electronics applications, brass plating of steel cord wire for tyre manufacture and the protection of metals against corrosion. Kees Helle has been responsible for the development of a wide range of composite coatings via electrodeposition techniques following work in the AKZO laboratories which started in the early 1970s.

Frank Walsh

Professor Frank Walsh holds degrees in Applied Chemistry (BSc, University of Portsmouth), Materials Protection (MSc, UMIST/Loughborough University of Technology) and Electrodeposition of Metals in a Rotating Cylinder Electrode Reactor, PhD supervised by Dr David Gabe (LUT). He has been an active member of the Education and Training and the Publication Committees of the Institute of Metal Finishing, having edited a series of tutorial papers, and has authored a distance learning course on Electrochemistry for Metal Finishers. Frank Walsh has authored over 170 papers on applied electrochemistry and has written books on “Industrial Electrochemistry” (1990) and “A First Course in Electrochemical Engineering”, (1993). Currently, he directs research in the Applied Electrochemistry Group at the University of Portsmouth and is Head of the School of Pharmacy, Biomedical and Physical Sciences and Professor in Electrochemical Engineering. His research interests include education in electrochemistry, composite coatings, marine corrosion, electrochemical techniques and the industrial applications of electrochemical reactors, particularly for environmental control.