Electroplating of thin films of magnetic FeNi alloys

Electroplating of thin films of FeNi alloys from an acidic sulphate bath containing thioglycollic acid (TGA) and mercaptoethanol (MET) has been studied under different plating conditions. The composition of the alloy is altered with the plating variables. The cathodic current efficiency (CCE) is found to depend on current density, temperature and pH of the medium. The cathodic potential drifted towards less noble direction with increase of current density, temperature and concentration of the addition agent. TGA is a more effective addition agent than MET. The deposited alloy with higher nickel content is smooth and bright with small grain size and uniform solid solution. Electroplating conditions were optimised to get 20:80 Fe:Ni magnetic alloys with the required magnetic property.