Effect of low magnetic field during nickel electroplating on morphology, structure, and hardness

Nickel (Ni) layers are commonly utilized in various applications, such as automotive components. By using a magnetic field during the electroplating process, it is possible to achieve better properties. Ni electroplating was conducted in 0.5 M nickel sulphate in this research. Various low intensities of the magnetic field (0.08 T and 0.14 T) were applied during the electroplating process. In the past, it has been demonstrated that an increase in low magnetic field could result in a decrease in crystallite size and a rise in hardness. Samples were weighed with a digital scale to determine the deposition rate and current efficiencies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and hardness tester were performed to investigate Ni layers properties. The magnetic field influences the deposition rate, cathodic current efficiency, surface morphology, structure, and hardness properties. The increase in the magnetic field caused a wider grain and smaller crystallite sizes. The crystallite sizes of the NiS - 0, NiS - 8, and NiS - 14 samples are 33.536 nm, 33.083 nm, and 28.540 nm, respectively. The hardness of the NiS - 0, NiS - 8, and NiS - 14 samples are 212.33 HV, 255.01 HV, and 267.214 HV, respectively. Higher hardness could be reached by reducing the size of crystallites. The influence of the magnetic field could enhance hardness during the electroplating process.