Abstract
A substitute for propionic acid, which is a complexing agent in the Ni-W electrodeposition process for producing bulk nanocrystalline alloys with high ductility, was explored. Bulk nanocrystalline Ni-W alloys were electrodeposited using electrolyte that primarily consisted of nickel sulfamate and sodium tungstate with sodium propionate and/or sodium gluconate. Their W content, impurity contents, microstructure, and mechanical properties were investigated. The Ni-W alloys electrodeposited from conventional bath exhibited tensile strength of 1.66 GPa and elongation of 6.5%. Substitution of propionic acid by sodium propionate enhanced tensile elongation up to 11.3% along with high strength of 1.65 GPa. Also, substitution by sodium gluconate enhanced tensile strength up to 1.80 GPa with elongation of 5.2%. The results of this study demonstrate that the propionic acid in the Ni-W electrodeposition process can be replaced by sodium propionate without property degradation.
