Microstructure Study of Electrodeposited Ni-Cu/Cu Superlattices

Electro-deposition is one of the ways to produce metallic multi-layers. This method presents several advantages: the electro-deposition process is relatively inexpensive and can be upscaled with relative ease for use in large size parts; the experimental system used is much simpler than the evaporation or sputtering apparatus; and it is a room-temperature technology. In this work, electrodeposited Ni-Cu/Cu metallic super-lattices were successfully grown on strong (100) texture polycrystalline Cu substrates. The structure of the super-lattices before and after annealing was investigated using XRD. Before annealing, up to second order satellite peaks were observed corresponding to the existence of a super-lattice structure. After annealing, XRD results showed that the amplitude of satellite peaks begins to decrease with increasing time and temperature.