The influence of the crystal-orientation of the cathode on that of an electro-deposited layer

The influence of the crystal-orientation of a cathode on that of an electro-deposited layer is studied by X-ray methods for the cases of copper and nickel, respectively, deposited on rolled copper. The conditions of cathode-surface and current-density which accompany an oriented deposit are determined. The orientation of the copper deposit for small currents is the same as that of the cathode. The nickel, at low current densities, assumes a distinct orientation. As the current is increased there is a region of no orientation, followed, at still higher currents, by an orientation the same as that of the cathode surface below.