Effect of jet electrodeposition conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu–Al2O3 composite coatings

Jet electrodeposition is an advanced manufacturing technology that can produce metallic nano-scaled microstructures with unique performance. Cu–Al 2 O 3 composite coatings were prepared by jet electrodeposition from a plating bath with nano-Al 2 O 3 particles suspended into the bath. Detailed microstructure changes upon the changes of experimental conditions were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of the deposition conditions on the composite coating mechanical properties was investigated. Experimental results indicated that the Al 2 O 3 particle adding into the electrolyte was able to refine the composite coating grains and enhance the deposit inner-structure as well as compactness, which considerably strengthens the composite coating’s mechanical property. It is proved that the current density in the range of 100~500 A/dm 2 could offer grain refining effect and the addition of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles can effectively promote the composite coating mechanical properties.