Surface morphology and mechanical properties of Ni foils electrodeposited under super gravity

Ni foil was electrodeposited under vertical super gravity field with same and opposite direction to electric field. Its surface morphologies and roughness were characterized by SEM and AFM. Its hardness and tensile strength under different gravities were also examined and compared. The results indicated that its surface electrodeposited under super gravity field was more compact and flatter as the grains were refined and the roughness sharply decreased, especially with the opposite direction between super gravity and electric field (Electrode C). The mechanical properties were improved by super gravity field. When the directions of super gravity and electric field were the same (Electrode B), its hardness and tensile strength were up to 839 HV and 944 MPa, respectively. The values were superior to that obtained on Electrode C and much higher than that under normal gravity condition (294 HV and 298 MPa).