Microstructural evolution and property correlation of Cu–Fe powders prepared by magnetic field fluidized bed electrodes

Cu–Fe powders have been extensively utilized in fields like diamond tools, friction materials and oil−impregnated bearings. Deficiencies still exist in the existing preparation methods for Cu–Fe powders regarding coating quality, preparation process and environmental protection, so new preparation techniques are required to be explored urgently. Through the combination of magnetic field fluidization and fluidized bed electrodes, a preparation method for metal−coated powders is innovated in this study, and Cu–Fe metal composite powders with excellent properties are successfully prepared via parameter optimization. A comparative analysis is carried out on the coating structures and electromagnetic properties of the powders prepared by the magnetic field fluidized bed electrodeposition method (Cu–Fe(E)) and the traditional displacement plating method (Cu–Fe(D)). It has been found in the research that the (111) and (220) crystal planes of Cu–Fe(E) are the preferentially growing crystal planes, with the peak shape being superior to that of Cu–Fe(D). At 4.5 GHz, the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of Cu–Fe(E) powders can attain 14.61 dB, which is higher than that of Cu–Fe(D) powders. Under the pressure of 200 MPa, the electrical conductivity of Cu–Fe(E) powders is 18,337.64 S·cm⁻¹, approximately eight times that of Cu–Fe(D) powders. Compared with the traditional displacement plating method, Cu–Fe(E) powders demonstrate more outstanding coating structures and properties, encompassing uniform and dense coatings, a more intact crystal structure, effectively enhanced electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. This novel magnetic field fluidized bed electrodeposition technology offers new perspectives for the field of Cu–Fe powder preparation.