Characterization of Microstructural, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Electrodeposited Gold Thin-Films as a Function of Grain Refinement Chemistry and Post-Deposition Thermal Treatments
Location
CSU
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Greg S. Long
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The effects of NaAs2O3and Pb(CH3CHOO)2 grain-refined electroplating chemistries and the temperature and duration of thermal treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of electrodeposited gold films were evaluated. Specimens were synthesized by electrodeposition of gold on copper foil substrates followed by application of novel photolithographic and microetching techniques so as to produce a series of free-standing gold thin-films of dimensions 2 µµ x 150 µµ x 600 µµ supported by copper foil frames. Seven different heat treatments, spanning temperatures from 25 to 3000 C, and up to 8 hours in duration were studied. In each case, inert-atmosphere-thermal annealing of the samples were carried out after the copper foil substrate beneath the tensile coupons had been removed by CuC12 etchants. XRD, AES, EDX and SEM methods were used to assess the compositional, microstructural and morphological characteristics of the materials. Tensile strength analyses were performed via a piezo-actuated microtensile testing system.
Characterization of Microstructural, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Electrodeposited Gold Thin-Films as a Function of Grain Refinement Chemistry and Post-Deposition Thermal Treatments
CSU
The effects of NaAs2O3and Pb(CH3CHOO)2 grain-refined electroplating chemistries and the temperature and duration of thermal treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of electrodeposited gold films were evaluated. Specimens were synthesized by electrodeposition of gold on copper foil substrates followed by application of novel photolithographic and microetching techniques so as to produce a series of free-standing gold thin-films of dimensions 2 µµ x 150 µµ x 600 µµ supported by copper foil frames. Seven different heat treatments, spanning temperatures from 25 to 3000 C, and up to 8 hours in duration were studied. In each case, inert-atmosphere-thermal annealing of the samples were carried out after the copper foil substrate beneath the tensile coupons had been removed by CuC12 etchants. XRD, AES, EDX and SEM methods were used to assess the compositional, microstructural and morphological characteristics of the materials. Tensile strength analyses were performed via a piezo-actuated microtensile testing system.
