An investigation into the electrodeposition of Au-Cu-matrix particulate composites

The electrodeposition of AuCu/B4C composites from alkaline baths containing free cyanide is described. The electrochemical behaviour of the bath and t he metallographic and crystalline structures of the electrodeposited alloys were studied with and without addition of particles. Electrochemical insta bilities were observed and their bearing on the structure of both pure matr ix and composite electrodeposits is shown and elucidated. The electrochemic al and structural conclusions on the AuCu/B4C system are thought to be gene ral for alloy-matrix composite plating with nonconductive particles.