A study of copper coatings electrodeposited in electrolyte with a metallic powder of chromium

Copper coatings modified with chromium and sulfur inclusions were electrodeposited in acidic copper sulfate electrolytes containing a metallic powder of chromium. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphology and functionality of new materials based on their mechanical properties (hardness, wear resistance), electrical resistivity, and thermal stability compared to pure copper. The methodology involved comparing the performance of smooth-faced copper coatings with chromium and sulfur inclusions to that of crystalline surfaces of pure copper. Results indicated that metallic chromium powder is ineffective for obtaining Cu–Cr composites, functioning instead as an alloying precursor promoting phase transformations. The hardness of coatings increased significantly from 180 to 240 kgf mm−2 with enhanced surface smoothness, demonstrating improved wear resistance and thermal stability, with meta-stable phases forming at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the electrical resistivity of Cu–Cr–S coatings was found to be comparable to that of pure copper, with resistivity rising with temperature in both materials. Overall, the study reveals that chromium and sulfur inclusions can enhance the performance of copper coatings in specific applications.