Characterization of dispersion-hardened electrodeposited gold composites. Part 1: SIMS and SEM study of powder inclusions

Submicrometric ceramic powders used as hardening agents for electrodeposite d gold films were studied. Codeposits were obtained from a CN-free mixed el ectrolyte with or without the addition of a brightening agent. Secondary io n mass spectrometry (SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were appl ied to characterize the deposits. SIMS analysis gave useful information abo ut the presence and distributions of additives in the films, and the influe nce of powders on metal-substrate interdiffusion phenomena were also shown. Surface morphology characteristics depending on experimental conditions, a nd the presence of additives were evidenced by SEM microscopy. Preliminary hardness tests were also carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of addit ives as hardening agents.