Al2O3-nanoparticle distribution in plated nickel composite films

Electrolytic codeposition is a well-known and suitable process for the prod uction of particle compound materials. Dispersion strengthened Ni-Films wer e obtained by codeposition of laser generated Al2O3-particles having a medi an particle diameter of 14 nm. The codeposition was achieved by adding the Al2O3-nanopowders to a typical sulfamate-bath before electroplating nickel on copper substrates. The deposited nickel compound films were separated fr om the substrate and prepared for TEM investigations by electrolytic jet po lishing and ion milling. The size distribution of the nanoparticles in the films was determined and correlated with the size distribution of the emplo yed nanopowder. As-plated n-Al2O3/Ni-specimens were also annealed at 850 de grees C for 20 h followed by measurements of the microhardness at ambient t emperatures. (C)1999 Acta Metallurgica Inc.