Depositing nanostructured composition-modulated Cu-Sn and Cu-Zn coatings while periodically varying the current density

It is shown, by the example of binary alloys Cu-Sn and Cu-Zn, that conducti ng an electrochemical deposition from electrolyte containing ions of two me tals while periodically varying the cathodic current density may, under cer tain conditions, result in the deposition of alternating layers which consi st of alloys rich in copper or tin (zinc) and have specified thicknesses. A t calculated thicknesses of up to 0.1-0.3 mu m of microlayers enriched by o ne metal or another, there form nanostructured microheterogeneous coatings where both metals are distributed uniformly over the thickness. The amount of copper and tin (zinc) in the coatings may be varied from 2 to 80 at. % w ithout changing the electrolyte composition. The coatings include an X-ray- amorphous constituent and crystalline phases of individual metals, intermet allic compounds, and copper-based solid solutions and consist of particles tens to hundreds of nanometers in size.