Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach

Abstract Conventional nickel/chromium electroplating can only meet a few new technological demands. Deposits with better properties must be tailor-made to meet present-day technology needs. This article is aimed to study the effect of plating parameters like current density, pulse current plating an...

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Main Authors: Canute Sherwin, K. Raju, Prem Lata Meena, Richa Tyagi, Chandra Mohan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-04-01
Series:Discover Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06738-3
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author Canute Sherwin
K. Raju
Prem Lata Meena
Richa Tyagi
Chandra Mohan
author_facet Canute Sherwin
K. Raju
Prem Lata Meena
Richa Tyagi
Chandra Mohan
author_sort Canute Sherwin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Conventional nickel/chromium electroplating can only meet a few new technological demands. Deposits with better properties must be tailor-made to meet present-day technology needs. This article is aimed to study the effect of plating parameters like current density, pulse current plating and plating time on the cathode current efficiency of Ni–Cr alloy plating on copper substrate. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the optimal plating parameters for plating nickel–chromium alloys by using experimental analysis. Parameters such as current density, plating time and type of current supply (DC/ Pulse) were considered for the analysis to determine the optimum plating parameters. The obtained optimal parameters were validated at four levels. First, coatings of Ni–Cr on copper substrates were developed, and outcomes were analysed. Secondly, the surface morphology of the coatings is examined using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) technique. Thirdly, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is performed on coated samples to evaluate the coating’s composition. Finally, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is used to detect the phase of nickel–chromium deposits. XRD graphs demonstrate FCC structures for nickel and chromium with peaks 2θ angles around 45.5°, 52° and 77.5°. This shows a good crystalline layer of Ni–Cr alloy formed. SEM images indicate a homogeneous and dense morphology with fine grain size, representing effective alloying and uniform coating of the substrate. The results of this study indicate that coating parameters significantly influence the current efficiency during plating. The structure and nature of the coating depend on these parameters. The optimum plating parameters for Ni–Cr alloy plating on copper were found at a current density of 6 A dm−2 at pulse 3 and 10 min of plating time. New alloy electrodeposits with improved surface and mechanical properties are being explored. The study’s findings will help the automobile industry since it provides optimal plating parameters to get the alloy plating as a single-step coating.
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spelling doaj-art-d4cb100523be4a7f869bcc7b33d9aafd2025-08-20T02:28:04ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-04-017411010.1007/s42452-025-06738-3Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approachCanute Sherwin0K. Raju1Prem Lata Meena2Richa Tyagi3Chandra Mohan4Atria University Joseph Engineering CollegeDepartment of Chemistry, Shyam Lal College, University of DelhiDepartment of Chemistry, Shyam Lal College, University of DelhiSchool of Basic and Applied Sciences, K. R. Mangalam UniversityAbstract Conventional nickel/chromium electroplating can only meet a few new technological demands. Deposits with better properties must be tailor-made to meet present-day technology needs. This article is aimed to study the effect of plating parameters like current density, pulse current plating and plating time on the cathode current efficiency of Ni–Cr alloy plating on copper substrate. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the optimal plating parameters for plating nickel–chromium alloys by using experimental analysis. Parameters such as current density, plating time and type of current supply (DC/ Pulse) were considered for the analysis to determine the optimum plating parameters. The obtained optimal parameters were validated at four levels. First, coatings of Ni–Cr on copper substrates were developed, and outcomes were analysed. Secondly, the surface morphology of the coatings is examined using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) technique. Thirdly, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is performed on coated samples to evaluate the coating’s composition. Finally, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is used to detect the phase of nickel–chromium deposits. XRD graphs demonstrate FCC structures for nickel and chromium with peaks 2θ angles around 45.5°, 52° and 77.5°. This shows a good crystalline layer of Ni–Cr alloy formed. SEM images indicate a homogeneous and dense morphology with fine grain size, representing effective alloying and uniform coating of the substrate. The results of this study indicate that coating parameters significantly influence the current efficiency during plating. The structure and nature of the coating depend on these parameters. The optimum plating parameters for Ni–Cr alloy plating on copper were found at a current density of 6 A dm−2 at pulse 3 and 10 min of plating time. New alloy electrodeposits with improved surface and mechanical properties are being explored. The study’s findings will help the automobile industry since it provides optimal plating parameters to get the alloy plating as a single-step coating.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06738-3Nickel–chromium alloyElectroplatingSustainable materialAlloy coatingEnergy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)X-ray diffraction (XRD)
spellingShingle Canute Sherwin
K. Raju
Prem Lata Meena
Richa Tyagi
Chandra Mohan
Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
Discover Applied Sciences
Nickel–chromium alloy
Electroplating
Sustainable material
Alloy coating
Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
X-ray diffraction (XRD)
title Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
title_full Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
title_fullStr Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
title_full_unstemmed Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
title_short Optimization of current density for nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) alloy coating on copper: an experimental approach
title_sort optimization of current density for nickel chromium ni cr alloy coating on copper an experimental approach
topic Nickel–chromium alloy
Electroplating
Sustainable material
Alloy coating
Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
X-ray diffraction (XRD)
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06738-3
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AT premlatameena optimizationofcurrentdensityfornickelchromiumnicralloycoatingoncopperanexperimentalapproach
AT richatyagi optimizationofcurrentdensityfornickelchromiumnicralloycoatingoncopperanexperimentalapproach
AT chandramohan optimizationofcurrentdensityfornickelchromiumnicralloycoatingoncopperanexperimentalapproach