Electrolytical modification of Fe hollow spheres by Cu, Ni and Ni–Cu binary coatings

Electrodeposition of elemental metals Cu and Ni and binary Ni–Cu coatings on Fe powder hollow spheres by constant current electrolysis was investigated. The metal coatings can be applied to improve the surface morphology and mechanical properties of the row hollow spheres allowing production of cellular solids, with a combination of properties that make them attractive for a number of engineering applications. The present article provides the qualitative comparison of an electroless copper coating with an electrolytically deposited copper layer. The quality and compactness of deposited layers have been preliminary investigated. It was found that the composition of deposited layers is influenced mainly by the current density and hollow particle size. The thickness and quality of coating layer are affected by the current density and addition of complexing agent into the electrolyte solution.