Microstructures and mechanical properties of electroplated Cu–Bi coatings

Electroplating has been used to produce Cu–Bi coatings. The crystal structure and lattice parameters of Cu in Cu–Bi composite coating were measured and compared with Cu coating. The mechanical properties of the coatings were also studied. It was found that the deposition parameters have significant effect on the mechanical properties of the Cu–Bi coatings. The microhardness has been improved from HV50165 of Cu coating to HV50 250 of Cu–Bi composite coating prepared at 50 mA/cm2 for 20 min. Correspondingly, wear resistance of the Cu–Bi composite coating has also been enhanced significantly.