Characterization of electrochemically deposited silver coatings on different substrates at industrial scale

Mlorad Tomić; Marija Mitrović; Nebojša  Vasiljević; Dragana Kešelj; Časlav Lačnjevac; Regina Fuchs-Godec

doi:10.62638/ZasMat1964

Authors

Mlorad Tomić University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology Zvornik, 75400 Zvornik, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1022-2093
Marija Mitrović University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology Zvornik Author
Nebojša Vasiljević University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology Zvornik, 75400 Zvornik, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3789-9975
Dragana Kešelj University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology Zvornik Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8534-1848
Časlav Lačnjevac University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina street 6, 11080 Beograd, Serbia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0650-8625
Regina Fuchs-Godec University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5700-0963

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62638/ZasMat1964

Abstract

Electrochemical deposition of silver coatings on different substrates—namely copper and two types of steel—was performed on an industrial scale, followed by their characterization.The coatings were evaluated in terms of hardness, surface roughness, and adhesion, while current efficiency and coating thickness were calculated from the mass changes of the samples during electrodeposition. In addition to assessing the influence of substrate type on coating quality, the effect of current density on coating adhesion and morphology was also investigated. Steel 1 (WNR 1.7231), copper, and Steel 2 (WNR 1.0032) were used as cathode materials for silver electrodeposition. Their chemical composition was determined by XRF analysis. The results showed that both current density and substrate type significantly affect the properties of the obtained coatings. All coatings were matte white and provided complete surface coverage on all substrates. The highest surface roughness and hardness values were obtained for coatings deposited at a current density of 0.75 A/dm². The highest current efficiency was achieved at 0.5 A/dm², while the greatest coating thickness was obtained at 1.0 A/dm².

Keywords:

silver coatings , electrochemical deposition, current density, roughness, hardness

Supporting Agencies

Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republic of Srpska , ORAO a.d.

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