Comparative reflection and structural analyses of copper and zinc coatings electrodeposited from acid sulfate solutions without and with additives

Abstract

Reflection and structural analyses of different copper and zinc coatings were performed. The coatings of copper obtained were from acid sulfate solutions in the absence and presence of thiourea. The coatings of zinc were obtained from acid sulfate solutions in the absence and presence of dextrin and furfural. They were examined by STM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and measurements of the reflection of light from their surfaces were taken. Reflection of light from zinc and copper coatings obtained from corresponding pure sulfate solutions was mostly diffuse reflection. The copper coating obtained in the presence of thiourea and the zinc coating obtained in the presence of dextrin and furfural showed a high degree of mirror reflection, and based on structural analysis are characterised as mirror bright metal surfaces.