PROCESS ASPECTS OF THE ELECTROLYTIC CODEPOSITION OF MOLYBDENUM-DISULFIDE WITH NICKEL

Process characteristics of the electrolytic codeposition of molybdenum disulfide particles with nickel from a Watts bath have been analysed in this study using statistical experimental design. The results show that temperature and concentration of suspended particles significantl y affect the weight percentage of molybdenum disulfide in the deposit. Particle concentration has a positive effect, while temperature exert s an adverse effect. Moreover, pH and temperature have been observed t o be significant factors affecting the nickel deposition efficiency. B oth factors exert positive effects. A second order model, relating the current efficiency to pH and temperature, has been developed. This mo del adequately approximates the performance measures. The physical mod el proposed by Guglielmi has been shown to be valid from the present s ystem at low current densities. The results at high current densities, however, show different features. It has also been observed that the presence of particles affects the nickel reduction reaction in an unkn own way. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.