Effects of ultrasonic dispersion on structure of electrodeposited Ni coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

To obtain the refined electrodeposited nickel layer on AZ91D magnesium alloy, ultrasonic technology was applied in the processes of pre-treatment and electrodeposition. The phases of pre-treatment layer and the nickel coating were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the effects of ultrasonic dispersion on the microstructure of pre-treatment layer and the grain refinement of electrodeposited nickel layer were discussed. The results showed that the pre-treatment electrodeposited Cu-Sn layer with compact microstructure could be synthesized in alkaline copper-tin liquid with ultrasonic agitation, as a result, smooth and refined nickel coating formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy. On the other hand, preferred orientation in the coating decreased because of the refined grains.