Modification of Fe Alloys by Magnetic Field

Electrodeposition is a very promising alternative to the physical vapor deposition techniques (PVD) to produce soft magnetic layers and microstructures. The advantage of electrodeposition in comparison to PVD processes is the fact that it is an inexpensive method.
Moreover, it allows depositing high aspect ratio layers with a thickness ranging from a few monolayers up to
more than 1 mm onto a complex geometry substrate.
The deposited layer properties could be tailored by a proper selection of the process parameters. A superposition of an external magnetic field during the electrodeposition has gained a considerable attention during the past decade, since it can affect the deposit properties. Mainly the morphology of the deposited layers is infuenced.
The electrodeposition process of Fe-Ni films was examined in a presence of homogenous magnetic field
(B: up to 0,6 T). Sulphate nickel and sulphate iron salt solution was used with pH 4,3.

The changes of surface morphology of Fe films electrodeposited without a magnetic field is observed.
The magnetic field superimposing perpendicular to the electric field leads to the hydrogen evolution promotion by MHD convection. This enhances the hydrogen evolution and the changes in Fe ions mass transfer appear near electrode surface. A change of local pH at the electrode is present and formation of different morphology of Fe layer.