Characterization of copper powder particles obtained by electrodeposition as function of different current densities

Abstract

Technological properties of powders depend on their granulometry and morphology. Very often one method is inadequate for characterization of powder particles. This article studied different methods intended for clear definition of the copper powder granulometric and morphological properties. Quantitative microstructural analysis, sieve analysis, and XRD analysis of copper powder as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis of the copper powder particles were performed. It was determined that selected stereological parameters, such as area, perimeter, and shape factor (roundness) show a linear decreasing dependence of current density, while the morphology was changed from massive to branched 3D dendrites. XRD analysis indicated that the crystallite sizes shows a linearly increasing dependence on current density. The shape factor could be a useful parameter for description of powder morphologies deposited by different regimes.