Characterization of the influence of Sodium-Lauryl-Sulfate on the surface quality of electrodeposited Nickel-Cobalt alloys

Inhalt:
This paper reports about the influence of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) on the surface quality of electrodeposited Nickel-Cobalt (NiCo) alloys made with sulfamate as electrolyte. We also report about the influence of SLS on the Nickel and Cobalt concentration in the final deposit. SLS is normally used as a wetting agent to enhance and ease the hydrogen evolution during cathodic reduction, thereby resulting in smoother deposits. We did experiments with different concentrations of SLS in the electrolyte in the range from 0.25 g/L - 6 g/L and found that the Co concentration varies in the final deposit for different SLS concentration below 1g/L, however remains constant for further increase in SLS concentration. The surface roughness of the electrodeposited alloy is reduced and smooth deposits are obtained. We also investigated the influence of SLS on the mechanical hardness of the electrodeposited alloy and found that SLS has no considerable influence on the mechanical hardness.