Effect of pH on Electrodeposition of Ni–Cd Alloy Coatings and Their Anticorrosion Performance

Abstract

Electroplating is a complex process controlled by bath composition and operating parameters. Among many operating parameters, the pH of the bath plays an important role in the process of deposition and properties of coatings. The present paper reports the effect of pH in the electrodeposition process of Ni–Cd alloy coatings from a low concentration bath of Ni–Cd alloy, using glycine as an additive. The experimental results revealed that change of pH over a wide range (from lower acidic to higher basic conditions) has a significant effect on the structure, morphology, and composition of the alloy electrodeposits. A considerable increase in the uniformity of coatings was found with an increase in bath pH. Electrochemical corrosion study carried out in 3.5% NaCl medium demonstrated higher corrosion resistance for Ni–Cd alloy coating, deposited at pH 8.0 compared to those deposited at lower pH. A change in the process of electro-crystallization was found with the change of pH, confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. The improved corrosion resistance of alloy coatings was ascribed to the change of codeposition from anomalous to normal type, known by its Ni content confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDAX). A change in phase structure was found with the change of pH, confirmed by the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. Experimental results are analyzed in light of the theory of alloy deposition, and results are discussed. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.