EP0066347B1

EP0066347B1 - Electrolytic bath for the deposition and penetration of metallic coatings on metallic substrates

Info

Publication number: EP0066347B1
Application number: EP82300140A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ady Joseph; Lily Mayer; Alexander Miutell
Original assignee: Metafuse Ltd
Current assignee: Metafuse Ltd
Priority date: 1981-01-13
Filing date: 1982-01-12
Publication date: 1987-04-15
Also published as: KR830009258A; DD202313A5; FI820081A7; EP0066347A1; NO820076L; FI820081L; DE3276074D1; DK11182A; AU7944982A

Description

The present invention is concerned with certain novel solutions which are particularly useful for bonding one material to another, notably one metal to another, according to the process described and claimed in our co-pending Applications filed herewith.
A process is described and claimed in our co-pending Application EP-A-56331 for the fusion, at an ambient temperature, of at least one second conductive element comprising ferrous or non-ferrous metals or alloys thereof into a matrix of a first conductive element comprising a ferrous or non-ferrous metal or alloys thereof, said process comprising the steps of

(a) bringing said second conductive element into contact with a limited area of an adjacent surface of said first conductive element,
(b) applying a half-wave interrupted pulsing signal in the range of 2.5 microseconds to 28.6 nanoseconds with a frequency of 400 Hz to 35 MHz and an amplitude of about 3 amps over an area of about 0.3 mm, and
(c) fusing said second conductive element in said first conductive element to a depth of more than 0.5 µm and depositing a surface layer of said second chemical element of more than 0.5 pm thickness.

According to the said process, the solution of the second material may be aqueous or organic. Desirably an aqueous solution is used which has a pH of 0.4 to 14. Both the first and second materials are metal, for example, the first material may be iron or iron alloy and the second material may be molybdenum tungsten or indium. A wide variety of ferrous and/or non-ferrous combinations are contemplated.
As indicated, the said process contemplates the use of a solution containing the metal to be fused (hereinafter the "second metal") to another metal (hereinafter called the "first metal"), it being understood that the term "metal" is intended to embrace metal alloys as well as single metals.
It is to be noted that our co-pending applications also disclose another process for fusing metals together wherein both metal components are in solid form. This other process may be called "solid-to-solid" fusion for convenience. The present invention, however, is only concerned with the solutions for use in the alternative process wherein one of the metals to be fused is initially in solution form. This is called for convenience "tiquid-to-tiquid" fusion.
Solutions for plating a metal onto a substrate are known from US-A-3802854 and CH-A-464639.
However, in the present application a solution for the fusion of a second metal to a first metal is characterised by:

(a) 0.10 to 10% by weight of a first compound including said second metal in a dissociable polyvalent form;
(b) 3.0 to 10% by weight of a second compound capable of complexing with the first compound, the first compound and the second compound being either soluble in water or forming a complex which is soluble in water;
(c) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a stabilizing agent which maintains the first compound, the second compound and the complex thereof in solution;
(d) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a catalyzer for promoting the speed of reaction, reducing the valency of the polyvalent form of said second metal to a lower valency and catalyzing complexing action between the first and second compound; and
(e) optionally a wetting agent or surfactants, the remainder a solvent chosen from the group comprising water, an organic solvent or a mixture thereof whereby said solution has a resistivity in the range of 10 to 80 ohms. cm at room temperature.

Certain of these solutions may include a sufficient quantity of an organic solvent to ensure dissolution of the metal and/or the complex.
Certain other solutions may require conductivity enhancing agents. And depending upon the end result desired, brightening agents may also be present. Wetting agents or surfactants may also be provided.
By the use of these solutions it has been found possible to effect fusion of the dissolved metal, using the process described in co-pending Application EP-A-57505 with a first metal with facility, economy and at ambient temperatures without the attendant physical or chemical changes which usually occur with the usual fusion methods.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings in which certain specific embodiments of these solutions are illustrative of the invention and in which:

Figure 1 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus in association with which the solutions of the present invention are used;
Figure 2 is a general perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the solutions in accordance with the invention may be employed;
Figure 3 is a schematic electrical circuit employed in the present invention;
Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an oscillator as employed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a composite SEM photomicrograph with right-hand and left-hand halves, of a copper matrix with which molybdenum has been fused using the process of the present invention with a molybdenum solution. The left-hand half has a magnification x1250 and the right-hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left-hand half;
Figure 6 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 5 and shows the fusion of molybdenum with copper;
Figure 7 is a composite SEM photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which molybdenum has been fused using the process of the present invention with a molybdenum solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1250 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 8 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 7 and shows the fusion of molybdenum with steel;
Figure 9 is a composite photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a copper matrix with which tungsten has been fused using the process of the present invention with a tungsten solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1250 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 10 is a further SEM photomicrograph of the sample of Figure 9 with a magnification x 10,000 of part of the marked area of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figures 9 and 10;
Figure 12 is a composite photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which tungsten has been fused using the process of the present invention with a tungsten solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1310 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 13 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 12 and shows the fusion of tungsten with steel;
Figure 14 is a composite photomicrograph with right and left hand halves, of a copper matrix with which indium has been fused using the process of the present invention with an indium solution. The left hand half has a magnification x 1250 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked section of the left hand half;
Figure 15 is a graph of an electron microprobe scan across the sample shown in Figure 14;
Figure 16 is a composite SEM photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves of a steel matrix with which indium has been fused using the process of the present invention with an indium solution. The left hand half has a magnification x625 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked section of the left hand half;
Figure 17 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a composite SEM photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a copper matrix with which nickel has been fused using the process of the present invention with a nickel solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1250 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked section of the left hand half;
Figure 19 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a composite SEM photomicrograph with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which nickel has been fused using the process of the present invention with a nickel solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1310 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked section of the left hand half;
Figure 21 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 20;
Figure 22 is a composite photomicrograph of a copper matrix with which gold has been fused. The left hand half has a magnification x1310 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked section to the right hand half.
Figure 23 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 22 showing gold fused in the copper matrix;
Figure 24 is a composite photomicrograph with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which gold has been fused using the process of the present invention with a gold solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1310, the right hand half is x8 magnification enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 25 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 23 showing gold fused in the steel matrix;
Figure 26 is an SEM photomicrograph with a magnification x 10,000 of a copper matrix with which chromium has been fused using the process of the present invention with a first chromium solution;
Figure 27 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 26 and shows the fusion of chromium with copper;
Figure 28 is an SEM photomicrograph with a magnification x10,000 of a steel matrix with which chromium has been fused using the process of the present invention with the first chromium solution referred to above;
Figure 29 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 28 and shows the fusion of chromium with steel;
Figure 30 is a composite SEM photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a copper matrix with which chromium has been fused using the process of the present invention with a second chromium solution. The left hand half has a magnification x625 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 30A is a further enlarged SEM photomicrograph of the enlarged area of Figure 30 at a magnification of x10,000;
Figure 32 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 30 and shows the fusion of chromium with copper;
Figure 33 is a composite SEM photomicrograph, with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which chromium has been fused using the process of the present invention with a second chromium solution. The left hand half has a magnification x1250 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area of the left hand half;
Figure 33A is a further enlarged SEM photomicrograph of the enlarged area of Figure 33 at a magnification of x 10,000;
Figure 34 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 32 and shows the fusion of chromium with steel;
Figure 35 is a composite photomicrograph with right and left hand halves, of a copper matrix with which cadmium has been fused using the process of the present invention with a first cadmium solution; the left hand half has a magnification x1310 and the right hand half is a x5 enlargement of the marked area;
Figure 36 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 35 and shows the fusion of cadmium with copper;
Figure 37 is a photomicrograph at x11,500 magnification of a steel matrix with which cadmium has been fused using the process of the present invention with a second cadmium solution;
Figure 38 is a graph of an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample shown in Figure 37 and shows the fusion of cadmium with steel;
Figure 39 is a composite photomicrograph with left and right hand halves; of a copper matrix with which tin has been fused using the process of the present invention with a first tin solution; the left hand half has a magnification of x655 and the right hand half is a x8 enlargement of the marked area;
Figure 40 is an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample of Figure 39 and shows the fusion of tin with copper;
Figure 41 is a composite photomicrograph with left and right hand halves, of a copper matrix with which tin has been fused using the process of the present invention with a second tin solution; the left hand half has a magnification x326 and the right hand half is x8 enlargement of the marked area;
Figure 42 is an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample of Figure 41 and shows fusion of tin with copper;
Figure 43 is a composite SEM photomicrograph with right and left hand halves, of a steel matrix with which tin has been fused using the process of the present invention with the second tin solution; the right hand half is a x1310 magnification and the left hand half is x8 magnification of the marked area;
Figure 44 is a SEM/EPMA scan across the sample of Figure 43 and shows fusion of tin with steel;
Figure 45 is an SEM photomicrograph at a x5200 magnification of a copper matrix with which cobalt has been fused using the process of the present invention with a first cobalt solution;
Figure 46 is an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample of Figure 45 and shows fusion of cobalt with copper;
Figures 47 and 47A are photomicrographs of a copper matrix with which silver has been fused using the process of the invention with a first silver solution;
Figure 47 is a composite with the left hand side having a magnification of x625 and the right hand side being an x8 enlargement of the marked area;
Figure 47A is a further enlarged SEM photomicrograph of the enlarged area of Figure 47 at a magnification x10,000;
Figure 48 is an SEM/EPMA scan across the sample of Figure 47 and shows fusion of silver with copper;
Figure 49 is an SEM photomicrograph at a magnification of x 10,000 of a copper matrix with which silver has been fused using the process of the present invention with a second silver solution;
Figure 50 is an electron microprobe scan across the sample of Figure 49 and shows fusion of silver with copper;

In those Figures which are graphs, of Figures 5 through 50, the vertical axis is logarithmic while the horizontal axis is linear. And in these graphs the surface layer has been taken as the point at which the concentration (wt%) of the matrix and the element which has been fused therewith are both at 50% as indicated by the projections.
Referring now to drawings Figures 1 and 2 these drawings illustrate in general perspective view apparatus in accordance with the invention which is employed to carry out the process of the invention.
In Figure 1, which exemplifies a solid-to-solid process the number 10 indicates a power supply and 11 an oscillator.
One side of the oscillator output is connected to an electrode 13 through a holder 12. Holder 12 is provided with a rotating chuck and has a trigger switch which controls the speed of rotation of the electrode 13. The speed of rotation is variable from 5,000 to 10,000 rpm.
The electrode 13 is composed of the material to be fused with the matrix. The matrix or substrate which is to be subjected to the process and which is to be treated is indicated at 14. The matrix is also connected to the other side of the oscillator output by a clamp 15 and line 16.
By these connections the electrode is positively charged and the matrix is negatively charged when the signal is applied.
In Figure 2 the corresponding components are correspondingly numbered. However, in this embodiment the process employed may be characterized as a liquid to solid process. In this apparatus the material to be fused is in the form of a solution and is held in a reservoir 17. Reservoir 17 is connected by a tube 18 to an electrode 19. Electrode 19 is a plate provided with an insulated handle 20 through which one side of oscillator 11 output is connected. This output is led into a main channel 21 in electrode 19. Channel 21 has a series of side channels 22 which open on to the undersurface of electrode 20. The flow from reservoir 17 is by gravity or by a pump and may be controlled by a valve such as 23 on the handle 20. For further control, more even distribution of the solution, and to prevent the inclusion of foreign matter the surface of electrode 19 is preferably covered by a permeable membrane such as cotton or nylon.
It has been found that to effect fusion that the application of 50,000 watts/sq. cm. or alternatively the application of current of the order of 10,000 amps/sq. cm. is necessary.
From a practical standpoint 10,000 amps/sq. cm. can not be applied constantly without damage to the matrix to be treated.
However, it has been found practical to apply a pulsing signal of 2.5 microseconds to 28.6 nanoseconds having a magnitude of 3 amps to the electrode and this causes fusion to occur over an area of approximately 0.3 sq. mm.
To effect fusion over an area with the apparatus shown in Figure 1 the electrode 13, matrix 14 and the oscillator output are connected as shown.
The operator passes the rotating electrode 13 in contact with the upper surface of the matrix over the matrix surface at a predetermined speed to apply the electrode material to the matrix and fuse it therewith.
It has also been found that the continuous application of an alternating signal generates considerable heat in the substrate or matrix and to overcome this heat build-up and avoid weldments the signal generated in the present apparatus is a half-wave signal which permits dissipation of the heat.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art each material, both the matrix and the material to be applied have specific resistance characteristics. Thus with each change in either one or both of these materials there is a change in the resistivity of the circuit.

In Figure 3,
R_i=the resistance of the electrode,
R₂=the resistance of the matrix, and
R₃=the resistance of the circuit of 10 and 11.

Variations in R, and R₂ will lead to variations in the frequency of the signal generated and the amplitude of that signal.
As mentioned previously a signal having an amplitude of 3 amps is believed to be the preferred amplitude. If the amplitude is greater decarbonizing or burning of the matrix takes place and below this amplitude hydroxides are formed in the interface.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an oscillator circuit used in apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
In that circuit a power supply 30 is connected across the input, and across the input a capacitor 31 is connected. One side of the capacitor 31 is connected through the LC circuit 32 which comprises a variable inductance coil 33 and capacitor 34 connected in parallel.
LC circuit 32 is connected to one side of a crystal oscillator circuit comprising crystal 35, inductance 36, NPN transistor 37 and the RC circuit comprised of variable resistance 38 and capacitance 39.
This oscillator circuit is connected to output 50 through, on one side capacitor 40, and on the other side diode 41, to produce a halfwave signal across output 50.
In the apparatus actually used the several components had the following characteristics:

31=1.2 µ farad
32=₀.₃ picrofarad
33=0-25 millihenrys
35=₄₀₀-₃₀ Khz
36=2₀ millihenrys
37=NPN
38=₃.₅ p farads
39=0-500 ohms
40=400 µ farads
41=diode
To maintain the amplitude of the signal at 3 amps R, resistance 38 is varied; to vary the frequency inductance 33 is varied.

If C=th_e capacitance of the circuit of Figure 3 and R_i, R₂ and R₃ are the resistances previously characterized it is believed that the optimum frequency of the fusing signal F_o may be determined by the form
where L=R₁ · R₂ · R₃ and C=capacitance of the circuit
L and C may be determined by any well-known method.
F_a depends on the material being treated and the material being applied but it is in the range 400Hz-35MHz. The frequency, it is believed, will determine the speed of the process.
To fuse a predetermined area, the area is measured. Since each discharge will fuse approximately 0.3 sq. mm. then the travel speed may be determined by the following form:
and

A=area to be covered in sq. mm.
F, is the number of discharges per second.
As mentioned previously the resistances R, and R₂ may be measured by any known means.

However it has been discovered that the measurement of resistance in the liquid phase may not be stable. In this situation the resistance is measured in a standard fashion. Two electrodes, 1 cm. apart and 1 cm. sq. in area are placed in a bath of the liquid phase and the resistance was measured after a 20 second delay. After the variable parameters have been determined and the apparatus, matrix and probe have been connected as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the probe 13 is passed over the surface of the matrix in contact therewith at the predetermined speed.
The speed of rotation is also believed to affect the quality of the fusion with a rotation speed of 5,000 rpm the finish is an uneven 200 to 300 finish; with a speed of rotation of 10,000 rpm the finish is a substantially 15 finish.
The apparatus of Figure 2 is operated in the same manner as the apparatus of Figure 1 and the process is essentially the same except for the use of a liquid with a solid electrode.
In the following specific examples the use of solutions in association with the apparatus and in the process will be more clearly understood.
In each of these examples the electrode was so connected as will be apparent from the description, so that when charged the electrode is positively charged and the matrix is negatively charged.
With respect to the fusion of a second conductive chemical element into the solid matrix of a first conductive chemical element, using a solution of the second conductive chemical, with respect to each solution, the process was carried out at the ambient temperature, 20°C in the following manner.
The matrix 14 metal was connected into the circuit as previously described. The frequency was determined in accordance with the formula previously set forth and the solution in reservoir 17 applied by movement of the electrode over one surface of the first metal for varying periods of time as determined by Form II. To ensure uniform distribution of the second metal solution over the surface of the first metal the electrode was covered with cotton gauze or nylon. It will be apparent that other materials may be employed. This arrangement also served to limit contamination of the solution when graphite electrodes were employed. They had a tendency to release graphite particles in the course of movement.
The treated samples were then sawn to provide a cross-sectional sample, washed in cold water, subject to ultrasonic cleaning, embedded in plastic and ground and polished to produce a flat surface and an even edge. With other samples with the softer metals where there was a tendency to lose the edge on grinding two cross-sections were secured with the treated surface in face to face abutting relationship, embedded as before and ground and polished.
Following embeddment the sample was etched using Nital for steel, the ferrous substrate, and Ammonium Hydrogen Peroxide on the copper, the non-ferrous substrate.
During the course of some applications it was found that adjustments were sometimes required in either the frequency, or speed of application. These were due to changes in the solution composition or variations in the matrix.
A semiquantitative electron probe microanalysis of fused interfaces were performed using an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
The surface of the embedding plastic was rendered conductive by evaporating on it approximately 20 µm layer of carbon in a vacuum evaporator. This procedure was used to prevent buildup of electrical charges on an otherwise nonconductive material and a consequent instability of the SEM image. Carbon, which does not produce a radiation detectable by the EDX, was used in preference of a more conventional metallic coating to avoid interference of such a coating with the elemental analysis.
Operating conditions of the SEM were chosen to minimize extraneous signals and the continuum radiation and to yield at the same time the best possible spatial resolution.
The conditions typically used for the elemental analyses by EDX were as follows:
Energy calibration was tested using AI kd emission at 1.486 keV and cu K at 8.040 keV.
A standardless semiquantitative analysis was adopted for determination of elemental concentration, using certified reference materials (NBS 478, 78% Cu_-27% Zn and NBS 479a, Ni 11 %, Cr 18%, Fe) to verify results. Multiple analysis of reference materials were in excellent agreement with certified values from NBS. Average precision of ±1% was achieved. A size of analysed volume was calculated from the following equation 1:
where R(_x) is the mass range (th x-ray production volume)

p=Density of analysed material
E_o=The accelerating potential
E_c=A critical excitation energy.

The diameter of analysed volume was calculated for typical elements analysed and was found to be as follows:
For assessment of the diffusion depth a static beam was positioned across the interface at intervals greater than the above mentioned mass range. Ensuring thus the accuracy of the analysis.
. The results of elemental concentration were given in weight percentage (Wt%) for each of the measured points across the fusion interface.
As mentioned previously the metal solutions disclosed are new and constitute the basis for the present invention. Broadly described, these solutions are aqueous, have a pH of about 0.4-14, a resistivity of 10 to 80 ohms cm and contain:

(1) a compound of a dissociable polyvalent metal to be fused to the other metal;
(2) a compound which is capable of complexing with compound (1), compounds (1) and (2) being either soluble in water or forming a complex which is soluble in water;
(3) a stabilizer which functions to keep (1) and (2) and the complex thereof in solution; and
(4) a catalyzer which functions to promote the speed of reaction and reduce the valency of the polyvalent metal to a low valence and to catalyze the complexing action between (1) and (2). Acid and/or alkaline material may also be used to insure the appropriate pH for the conditions of use and to help keep the metal compounds (1) and (2) in solution.

Certain of these solutions may include a sufficient quantity of an organic solvent to ensure dissolution of the metal and/or the complex.
Certain other solutions may require conductivity enhancing agents. And depending upon the end result desired, brightening agents may also be present. Wetting agents or surfactants may also be provided.
A variety of dissociable polyvalent metal compounds, usually metallic salts or acids, may be used as component (1) provided they are soluble in the solution medium. Typical compounds include: sodium molybdate, sodium tungstate, indium sulphate, nickelous sulphate, nickelous chloride, chloroauric acid, chromium trioxide, chromium sulphate, chromic chloride, cadmium chloride, cadmium sulphate, stannous chloride, cobaltous sulphate, silver cyanide, silver nitrate.
Normally component (1) will be used in an amount varying from 0.10 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the solution.
Representative metal complexing agents useful as component (2) include, such as, pyrophosphates, ethylene diamine tetracetic acid, citric acid, and potassium iodide and the like. The pyrophosphates also serve as stabilizing agents.
This component will usually consist of from 3 to 10% of the weight of solution. However, the amount can be varied and should be selected to give optimum complexing with (1).
A wide variety of stabilizers and catalysts may be used as components (3) and (4), respectively. Typical stabilizers are the following: boric acid, citric acid or citrates, pyrophosphates, acetates and aluminum sulphate; while suitable catalysts include: metallic ions such as iron, nickel, antimony, and zinc, and organic compounds such as dextrine, hydroquinone, gelatin, pepsin and acacia gum.
The amounts of these to components can be varied but usually each will fall in the range of 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of the solution.
A wide variety of materials may be used to provide for the desired pH. Typical acids, and bases include the following:

Acids: sulphuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, orthophosphoric, citric and oxalic.

Bases: ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and basic salts such as alkali carbonates and bicarbonates.
Typical brighteners are formaldehyde and carbon disulphide. A surfactant or wetting agent which is employed in some solutions is sodium lauryl sulphate. Others familiar to those in the art may be substituted.
In some solutions a conductivity enhancing agent such as sodium sulphate may be employed.
It will be noted that in Examples II, 111 and IV which follow, ferrous and ferric ions are provided in the solution. While the iron was apparently transferred concurrently with molybdenum to the matrix there was no apparent material effect on the matrix or molybdenum which was fused with it.
It has been found that the transfer of molybdenum into the matrix was enhanced by the presence of the ferric and ferrous ions. The exact nature of the mechanism is not known but it is believed that the presence of these iron ions forms complexes which enhances the reduction of Mo⁺⁶ to lower valency states.
Certain further solutions require second chemical conductive element complexing agents which preclude precipitation of the second element. These agents were by way of example citric acid, or sodium pyrophosphate, or ethyldiaminetetracetic acid or their equivalents.
A suitable buffer is also provided in certain solutions, where required.
The water is always demineralized.
And for certain applications where the appearance of the product requires an elegant appearance small quantities of brighteners such as formaldehyde, carbon disulphide, benzene, sulphonic acid or their equivalents may be employed.
In these Examples, unless otherwise indicated the steel matrix was ASA 1018 and the copper was ASTM B-1333 Alloy 110.

Example I

AtfasA151 1020 steel was connected in the apparatus of Figure 2 as the matrix 14 and a 10% solution of ammonium molybdate in water was placed in reservoir 17.
The following were the characteristics and conditions of treatment:
The sample of Example I was subject to a thermal corrosion test. 25% sulphuric acid was applied to the surface for 20 minutes at 325°C without any surface penetration.

Example II

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
The solution had the following characteristics:
The Mo⁺⁶ concentration may be varied from 1.5% to 2.5% by weight; the pH from 7.2 to 8.2 and the resistivity from 17-25 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

In the solutions set out in Examples II and III the presence of the ferrous and ferric ions are believed to serve to reduce the Mo⁺⁶ valency state to a lower valency state.
While iron is apparently concurrently transferred as illustrated in Figure 6 the iron has apparently no material effect on the characteristics of the matrix or the molybdenum.
An examination of the sample with an optical microscope shows a continuous coating of molybdenum free from pitting and with a dark silver colour.
As shown in the table below and Figure 6 an SEM/EPMA scan across the interface between the matrix and the applied metal, molybdenum is seen to be fused to a depth of at least 4 pm with a surface deposit of approximately 1 µm.

Example III

An aqueous solution of the same formulation as Example II was prepared and applied under the following conditions:

Reaction conditions

Examination under the optical microscope showed a continuous dark silver surface.
The photomicrograph Figure 7, shows the deposition of a substantially uniform layer of molybdenum 1 micron thick of uniform density.
As shown in Figure 8 an SEM/EPMA scan across the interface between the substrate and the applied metal shows molybdenum was present to a depth of at least 10 microns and a molybdenum gradient as set out below in Table.

Example IV

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
The solution had the following characteristics:
The W⁺⁶ concentration may vary from 1.6% to 2.5%; the pH may vary from 7.5 to 8.5; and the resistivity may vary from 18 ohms cm to 24 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

As shown by the photomicrographs Figures 9 and 10, the sample showed a uniform deposit of tungsten approximately 1 micron thick. An SEM/EPMA scan showed fusion of tungsten on copper to a depth of at least 5.0 microns, as can be seen in the Table below and Figure 11.

Example V

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
The solution had the following characteristics:
The concentration of tungsten may be varied from 1.6% to 2.5% by wt.; the pH from 7.5 to 8.5; and the conductivity from 18.8 ohms cm to 22.8 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

An inspection of the sample by SEM/EPMA, Figure 12, showed a deposit of tungsten of approximately 0.5 µm and as evident from Figure 13 and the Table below tungsten was detected at a depth of at least 3 pm.

Example VI

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
The solution had the following characteristics:
The Indium concentration may vary from 0.2% to 2.2%; the pH from 1.60 to 1.68; and the resistivity from 48.8 ohms cm to 54.8 ohms cm. Reaction conditions
An examination of the sample under the optical microscope and the scanning electron microscope showed a continuous surface free from structural faults as shown in Figure 14.
As shown in the following Table and Figure 15 and an SEM/EPMA scan across the interface between the copper matrix and the indium layer showed a deposit of approximately 1 µm and fusion of indium to a depth of at least 4 pm.

Example VII

The solution of Example VI was employed and applied to a steel matrix:
As shown in Figures 16 and 17 an even continuous layer of Indium approximately 1 µm thick was deposited on the surface of the matrix. An SEM/EPMA scan, Figure 16 across the interface and the Table below indicated fusion to a depth of at least 3 µm:
Figure 18 shows a solid deposit of nickel of uniform density approximately 1.5 pm thick. As shown in the following Table and Figure 19 an SEM/EPMA scan across the interface between the matrix and the nickel layer shows nickel to be fused to a depth of at least 4 µm.

Example VIII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
The solution had the following characteristics:
The nickel concentration may vary from 2% to 10%; pH from 3.10 to 3.50; and resistivity from 17 ohms cm to 26 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Example IX

The same solution as was formulated for Example X was prepared and applied to a steel matrix:

Reaction conditions

As shown in Figure 20 the nickel layer is continuous and substantially uniform in thickness being about 1.5 µm thick.
As shown in Figure 21 and in the following Table nickel is shown to be fused to a depth of at least 3 µm.

Example X

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 3.70 to 11; the concentration of Au⁺³ ions may vary from 0.1 % to 0.5% by weight; and the resistivity from 40 ohms cm to 72 ohms cm.
Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of gold approximately 1.5 pm thick. The deposit was continuous and uniformly dense as shown in Figure 22.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of gold to a depth of at least 3 µm as shown on the Table below and Figure 23.

Example XI

An aqueous solution of the same formulation as that of Example X was prepared:

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of gold approximately 1.0 µm thick. The deposit was uniformly thick and dense as shown in Figure 24.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of gold to a depth of at least 4.0 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 25.

Example XII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 0.6 to 1.0; the concentration of Cr⁺⁶ ions may vary from 3% to 20% by weight; and the resistivity from 11 ohms cm to 14 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of chromium approximately 1 µm thick. The surface of the layer was irregular but the deposit appeared free of- faults and was continuous as shown in Figure 26.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of chromium to a depth of at least 3.0 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 27.

Example XIII

An aqueous solution of the same formulation as employed in Example XII was prepared:

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electrode microscope revealed a surface deposition of chromium approximately 3.0 µm thick. This is as shown in Figure 28.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of chromium to a depth of at least 5.0 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 29.

Example XIV

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 2.5 to 3.5; the concentration of Cr⁺³ ions may vary from 1.8% to 5% by weight; and the resistivity from 16 ohms cm to 20 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of chromium approximately 0.5 pm thick. The deposit was solid and continuous as shown in Figures 30 and 30A.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of chromium to a depth of at least 3.0 µm as shown on the Table below and Figure 32.

Example XV

An aqueous solution of the same formulation as prepared for Example XVII was employed:

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of chromium approximately 1.0 µm thick. The surface of the deposit appeared slightly irregular but the deposit was solid and free of faults as shown in Figures 33 and 33A.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of chromium to a depth of at least 3.0 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 34.

Example XVI

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 10 to 10.2; the concentration of Cd⁺² ions may vary from 0.2% to 0.5% by weight; and the resistivity from 28 ohms cm to 35 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

In this Example the solution employed was initially as set out above, applied in accordance with the conditions identified as (1). A second solution, that set forth in Example XVII, was then applied under the conditions identified as (2).
Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of cadmium approximately 4 µm thick. This deposit was not homogeneous as shown in Figure 35 but an SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of cadmium to a depth of at least 9 µm as shown on the Table below and Figure 36.

Example XVII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 3.2 to 3.5; the concentration of Cd⁺² ions may vary from 1% to 4% by weight; and the resistivity from 45 ohms cm to 55 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of cadmium approximately 1 µm thick. The surface of the deposit was irregular but it was solid and continuous as seen from Figure 37.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of cadmium to a depth of at least 4 pm as shown on the Table below and Figure 38.

Example XVIII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 11.2 to 12.7; the concentration of Sn⁺² ions may vary from 2% to 5% by weight; and the resistivity from 6.2 ohms cm to 10.3 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of tin approximately 1.2 µm thick. The deposit was uniformly thick and homogeneous. This is shown in Figure 39.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of tin to a depth of at least 4 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 40.

Example XIX

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 9 to 9.7; the concentration of Sn⁺² ions may vary from 0.4% to 1% by weight; and the resistivity from 30 ohms cm to 36 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of tin approximately 4 µ thick.
This deposit appears to comprise a lower uniform and substantially homogeneous layer of approximately 1 µm thick and an outer slightly porous layer approximately 3 µm thick as shown in Figure 41.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of tin to a depth of at least 5 µm as shown on the Table below and Figure 47.

Example XX

An aqueous solution of the same as prepared for Example XIX was employed: Reaction conditions
Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of tin exceeding 2 µm thick. This layer was porous but continuous as shown in Figure 43.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of tin to a depth of at least 2 µm as shown on the table below and Figure 44.

Example XXI

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 4.5 to 6.5; the concentration of Co⁺² ions may vary from 2% to 6% by weight; and the resistivity from 25 ohms cm to 30 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of cobalt approximately 6.5 µm thick. This layer was uniform and continuous as shown in Figure 45.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of cobalt to a depth of at least 20 µm as shown on the Table below and Figure 46.
It was evident by visual inspection and from the previous experiments that the deposit of cobalt was above the 10 µm level was extremely dense.

Example XXII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 11.2 to 11.7; the concentration of Ag⁺¹ ions may vary from 1% to 3% by weight; and the resistivity from 8 ohms cm to 13 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of silver approximately 5 µm thick. The structure is shown in Figures 47 and 47A.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of silver to a depth of at least 3 pm as shown on the Table below and Figure 48.

Example XXIII

An aqueous solution of the following formulation was prepared:
This solution had the following characteristics:
The pH may be varied from 1.5 to 2; the concentration of Ag⁺¹ ions may vary from 0.5% to 2.5% by weight; and the resistivity from 6 ohms cm to 12 ohms cm.

Reaction conditions

Observation with the optical and scanning electron microscope revealed a surface deposition of silver approximately 2 µm thick. The structure was as shown in Figure 49.
An SEM/EPMA scan across the interface indicated fusion of silver to a depth of at least 2.00 _Ilm as shown on the Table below and Figure 50.
From the foregoing examples it will be seen that through the medium of these solutions a second metal in the solution may be fused with a first metal.

Claims

1. A solution for the fusion of a second metal to a first metal comprising:

(a) 0.10 to 10% by weight of a first compound including said second metal in a dissociable polyvalent form;

(b) 3.0 to 10% by weight of a second compound capable of complexing with the first compound, the first compound and the second compound being either soluble in water or forming a complex which is soluble in water;

(c) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a stabilizing agent which maintains the first compound, the second compound and the complex thereof in solution;

(d) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a catalyzer for promoting the speed of reaction, reducing the valency of the polyvalent form of said second metal to a lower valency and catalyzing complexing action between the first and second compound; and

(e) optionally a wetting agent or surfactants, the remainder a solvent chosen from the group comprising water, an organic solvent or a mixture thereof whereby said solution has a resistivity in the range of 10 to 80 ohms. cm at room temperature.

2. A solution as claimed in claim 1 wherein said stabilizing agent is selected from boric acid, citric acid, citrates, pyrophosphates, acetates and aluminium sulphate.

3. A solution as claimed in claims 1 and 2 wherein said catalyzing agent comprises metallic ions including iron, nickel, antimony and zinc, and organic compounds including dextrine, hydroquinone, gelatin, pepsin and acacia gum.

4. A solution as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein the dissociable polyvalent form of said second metal is a metallic salt or acid selected from sodium molybdate, sodium tungstate, indium sulphate, nickelous sulphate, nickelous chloride, chloroauric acid, chromium trioxide, chromium sulphate, chromic chloride, cadmium chloride, cadmium sulphate, stannous chloride, cobaltous sulphate, silver cyanide, and silver nitrate.

5. A solution as claimed in claims 1 to 4 wherein the second compound is selected from pyrophosphates, ethylene diamine tetracetic acid, citric acid, and potassium iodide, the pyrophosphates also serving as a stabilizing agent.

6. A solution as claimed in claims 1 to 5 wherein the first metal is chosen from the group comprising molybdenum, tungsten, indium, nickel, gold, chromium, silver, cadmium, tin, cobalt and silver.

7. A solution as claimed in claims 1 to 6 wherein the solution is characterized by having a pH in the range of 0.4 to 14.