Materials (May 2022)

Production of Electrolytic Composite Powder by Nickel Plating of Shredded Polyurethane Foam

  • Jolanta Niedbała,
  • Magdalena Popczyk,
  • Łukasz Hawełek,
  • Szymon Orda,
  • Hubert Okła,
  • Jadwiga Gabor,
  • Sebastian Stach,
  • Andrzej S. Swinarew

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113895
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 11
p. 3895

Abstract

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Ni–poly(DPU) composite powder was produced under galvanostatic conditions from a nickel bath with the addition of pulverized polymer obtained during the shredding of polyurethane foam (poly(DPU)). The Ni–poly(DPU) composite powder was characterized by the presence of polymer particles covered with an electrolytical amorphous-nanocrystalline nickel coating. The phase structure, chemical composition, morphology, and the distribution of elements was investigated. The chemical analysis showed that the powder contains 41.7% Ni, 16.4% C, 15.7% O, 8.2% P and 0.10% S. The other components were not determined (nitrogen and hydrogen). The phase analysis showed the presence of NiC phase. Composite powder particles are created as a result of the adsorption of Me ions on the fragmented polymer. The current flowing through the galvanic bath forces the flow of the particles. The foam particles with adsorbed nickel ions are transported to the cathode surface, where the Ni2+ is discharged. The presence of compound phosphorus in galvanic solution generates the formation of amorphous-nanocrystalline nickel, which covers the polymer particles. The formed nickel–polymer composite powder falls to the bottom of the cell.

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