On the Electrodeposition of Copper Alloy Powders from Baths Containing Citrate/Tartrate Additives

Abstract

The cathode polarization behavior of copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin in complex baths containing sodium citrate/sodium tartrate additives was investigated. Copper exhibited considerable polarization in baths containing sodium citrate or sodium tartrate. The polarization behavior of zinc, cadmium, and tin was not significantly affected by these additives. Codeposition of zinc, cadmium, or tin with copper was not possible from baths containing no complexing agents. However, studies on the cathode polarization characteristics from baths containing 40 g/liter sodium citrate/sodium tartrate and actual deposition trials revealed that whereas Cu-Sn powder can be codeposited, it was not possible to codeposit Cu-Zn or Cu-Cd powders. © 1975, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.