SURFACE ROUGHNESS REDUCTION OF Cr-FILMS DEPOSITED FROM NOVEL DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENT: EFFECT OF ACETYLACETONE

The surface roughness growth of electrodeposited chromium films was investigated with a particular focus on the impact of water and an organic additive, acetylacetone, on the surface roughness scaling, the surface morphology, and microstructure. Cr-composite films were prepared by new deep eutectic solvent and deposited on Nickel substrate utilizing the electrodeposition technique. Acetylacetone sources enhanced nucleation at the initial deposition stage, and the surface roughness of the films was reduced noticeably. The surface structure was studied by profilometry and 3D optical microscope. The low average roughness values (similar to 1.5 mu m) are achieved by adding water and acetylacetone, utilizing the novel ionic liquid. The most significant of the outcomes are associated with the role of water and acetylacetone which gives a reduction not only in R-a but also in R-z and R-q. The obtained outcomes are promising for Cr electrodeposition, which are capable of yielding hard chromium coatings with enhanced surface structure.