Structure and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline Ni/Cu multilayer coatings produced by the electrocrystallization method

The paper presents the results of studies on the structure and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline multilayer Ni/Cu coatings. and for comparative purposes, also of nanocrystalline Ni and Cu coatings deposited by the electrocrystallization method. The structure of the produced coatings was characterized by the X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscopy. The tests of mechanical properties were carried out using the Depth Sensing Indentation (DSI) method. The curves of dependence of the loading force as a function of the penetration depth of the indenter of the tested coatings were determined. as well as the parameters characterizing the tested materials: indentation hardness (HIT), Martens hardness (HM), elastic modulus (EIT), elastic strain index (KH) and creep (CIT). The scratch test evaluated the adhesion of the material of coatings to the steel substrate as well as between the individual layers in multilayer coatings. Multilayer Ni/Cu coatings are characterized by, nanocrystalline structure, compact construction and uniform thickness over the entire covered surface. The materials of the tested coatings differ significantly in the course of plastic deformation and elastic deformation. The thickness of the layers in multilayer Ni/Cu coatings affects their mechanical properties.