Investigation of FeNi thin film properties related to Fe:Ni ratio in solution

Abstract The iron-nickel coatings were deposited on the two metallic substrates (Cu, CuZn) from a mixture of iron and nickel salts and in a uniform external magnetic field (EMF). The films were electrodeposited using the exact value of an electric current density and the time conditions. The EMF orientation and the electrochemical bath composition (molar ratio of Fe:Ni) were changeable 1:1 or 1:2, respectively. Examined plating presents a variety of surface morphologies and compositions depending on the applied substrates and the presence or absence of the EMF. The films' surface morphology and thickness were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The average composition of all FeNi films was measured using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The crystallographic analysis of the deposits was carried out using X-ray diffraction. Tribo-mechanical properties (roughness, microhardness, friction coefficient) were registered using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and SEM. The observed results show a variation in the surface morphology and the alloy composition due to the coupling between the electrolyte composition (Fe:Ni ratio) and the presence or absence of EMF. The tribological parameters (Ssk, Sku, COF) also depend on the electrolyte composition.