Electroplating copper on aluminium alloy

Abstract

Electroplating of copper on aluminium alloy surface by using copper sulphate solution as an electrolyte solution. This study was done to analyse the influence of voltage (5V-25V) on electroplating of copper on aluminium alloy. The surface of aluminium alloy firstly ground and polished to remove oxide layer on the aluminium surface. Copper was plated by electroplating process. The sample was analysed by four testing that is optical microscope (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Hardness Vickers testing. After electroplating process, a reddish brown layer was deposited on the aluminium surface. The result from OM and SEM shows the microstructure of copper plated and thickness of the copper on aluminium alloy surface. Phase elements and structure of the crystals also found in the coating. Hardness value also obtained from hardness test.