Electronic edition ISSN 1574-0579

The effect of magnetic fields on the electrodeposition of CoFe alloys

J. A. Koza - M. Uhlemann - A. Gebert - Ch. Mickel - S. Baunack - L. Schultz

Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research IFW Dresden P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden, Germany

Abstract
The effect of a magnetic field up to 1 T with different configurations relative to the electrode surface on the electrodeposition of CoFe alloys from acidic sulphate electrolytes has been investigated. It was found that a magnetic field applied parallel to the electrode surface increases the limiting current density and the deposition rate due to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. Desorption of hydrogen is supported by the B-field in both magnetic field-to-electrode configuration. The chemical composition of the deposited alloys is unaffected by the magnetic field, whereas the morphology and quality of the deposits d epend strongly on the field configuration. Tables 1, Figs 6, Refs 16.