Electrochemically Deposited Coating Systems on Aluminium for Contact Applications

Metal-plated aluminium is set to play an increasingly important role in electrical contact applications. Chemically or electrochemically deposited metal layers or combinations of layers enable a wide range of properties to be combined with the light metal, aluminium. In addition to describing the specifics of applying coatings to aluminium, investigations were carried out into the diffusion, corrosion and adhesion characteristics of various layer combinations. The basis of the study was (electro-) chemically deposited copper or nickel as an adhesion layer on the aluminium substrate AlMgSi1. The final surface coating consisted of deposited layers of gold, silver or tin.