The Mechanical Properties of Electrodeposited Iron Foil

Abstract

Iron foil, ranging in thickness from 0.05 to 0.16 mm, has been prepared by electrodeposition with an electrolyte solution composed mainly of ferrous chloride. Bright, smooth foil is obtained for current densities of 10 to 30 A/dm², provided that the electrolyte temperature is above 85°C. Techniques developed to measure the mechanical properties of such a thin material are discussed. Unlike conventionally produced foil, the values of the main mechanical properties of the electrodeposited material, e.g. tensile strength and hardness, increase with decreasing thickness. The properties can also be affected by the main process variables: for instance, the lower the electrolyte temperature, the higher is the tensile strength. These effects are explained in terms of changes in grain size of the foil which are largely influenced by the process variables.