Ni-Mn3O4 Composite Coating by Electrophoresis/Electrodeposition for Metallic Interconnects Applications

The Ni-Mn3O4 composite coating has been deposited on the surface of steel interconnects by electrophoresis and electrodeposition techniques. The effect of bath temperature and bath pH on the microstructure, thickness and composition of the coating during electrodeposition process is analyzed by XRD, SEM and ICP-OES. Mn3O4 particles are uniformly distributed in Ni matrix. The optimum temperature and pH value in the electrodeposition bath are 45°C and 5, respectively. The oxide scale microstructure and electrical property of the samples are characterized after an oxidation of 100 h at 800°C in air. The results demonstrate that the area specific resistance (ASR) of the scale for the coated steel is significantly lower than that for the uncoated steel. The thermally converted (Ni,Mn,Fe)3O4/NiO layer serves as an effective obstacle against Cr outward migration.