Effect of Electroplating Condition on Deposition Rate and Performance of Electroplated Au-Fe Coating on Copper Wares

KAu(CN)(2), FeSO(4), KCN and potassium citrate were used to formulate the bath for decorative Au-Fe alloy electroplating of copper wares. The effects of the concentration of KAu(CN)(2) and FeSO(4) as well as the pH value and temperature of the plating bath on the deposition rate and performance of Au-Fe alloy coating were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic absorption spectrometer as well as facilities for bending test, hot-dipping test and artificial sweat test. Results show that Au-Fe alloy coating with good adhesion to substrate and good corrosion resistance can be prepared by electroplating in the bath containing 12 g/L KAu(CN)(2) and 4 g/L FeSO(4) at a temperature of 40 degree C and pH value of 3.6, and the deposition rate of relevant Au-Fe alloy coating is 16.36 mu m/h.