HARDNESS AND STRUCTURE OF ELECTRODEPOSITED NICKEL FROM A NICKEL SULFAMATE-FORMAMIDE BATH

The influence of various factors, such as current density, bath and an nealing temperatures, on microhardness of electrodeposited nickel from a nickel sulfamate-formamide bath was investigated, Bright, adherent, fine-grained and almost defect-free nickel deposits with moderately h igh hardness were obtained at 50 degrees C and a current density of 0. 6 A/dm(2), The microhardness of the nickel deposits decreased with an increase in annealing temperature. The effect of annealing at various temperatures on structure of the deposits was also studied, Recrystall ization of grains and grain growth in the deposits were clearly observ ed at high annealing temperatures, The structural and crystallographic features of the deposits were examined by SEM, TEM and X-ray diffract ion studies, Hydrogen content of the deposits was also determined, The structure and hardness showed correlation with hydrogen content in th e deposits.