Characterization of Dispersion-Hardened Electrodeposited Gold Composites. Part 1:  SIMS and SEM Study of Powder Inclusions

Submicrometric ceramic powders used as hardening agents for electrodeposited gold films were studied. Codeposits were obtained from a CN-free mixed electrolyte with or without the addition of a brightening agent. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize the deposits. SIMS analysis gave useful information about the presence and distributions of additives in the films, and the influence of powders on metal-substrate interdiffusion phenomena were also shown. Surface morphology characteristics depending on experimental conditions, and the presence of additives were evidenced by SEM microscopy. Preliminary hardness tests were also carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of additives as hardening agents.