Electroplated Nickel Permanent Magnetic Films over Polymeric Membranes

Abstract

The influence of a magnetic field on electrodeposition of nickel films over polymeric substrates, which renders flexible membranes with a permanent magnet layer, has been studied. Samples of membranes with nickel deposited by electroplating in presence and absence of magnetic field are compared. The electroplated layer is deposited over an electroless contact layer, after a wet pre-treatment to improve adherence. Mechanical and magnetic properties of the samples were measured as function of process parameters. Experimental results confirm that the magnetic field has a positive impact over properties of deposited films. Pre-treatment using different process times influences uniformity and adherence of the deposited films. Results show also that films electroplated in presence of magnetic field outperformed those deposited in its absence, with enhanced maximum energy product and reduced surface roughness. On the other hand, films electroplated in presence of magnetic field tend to be less resistant to fracture during flexure tests.