Cu Dendrite Crystal Ball Formation on a Zn-Al Substrate by Electroplating Method

Abstract

Cu plating is extensively used as a surface treatment material for metals. However, the formation of dendritic Cu crystals has not been confirmed when a difficult-to-plate material such as a Zn-Al substrate is coated. Generally, the crystals formed on the Zn-Al substrate are characterized by the complex structure that develops an ultrathin sheet with a large surface area owing to its dendritic structure. The larger surface area increases heat dissipation and the sheet becomes a heat sink. Cu dendrite crystals have potential for industrial applications. In this study, we formed characteristic spheres (crystal balls) from Cu dendrite crystals and the formation process was shown.