GB1263747A - Electrolytic production of composite structures - Google Patents

Abstract

1,263,747. Rotating electro-plating apparatus; particle inclusions in electro-deposits. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. March 6, 1969 [March 8, 1968], No.11940/69. Heading C7B. Electro-deposition apparatus comprises a deposition electrode 18 for receiving a reinforced electro-deposit. As shown the electrode is mounted in a centrifuge basket 16, the part not to be plated being covered by mask 20. The electrode is exposed to reinforcement distribution means comprising flat insulating plates 28, 30, 32 mounted on the centrifuge shaft 14. Reinforcements such as whiskers, e.g. of alumina are fed on to plate 30 from a funnel 46 to be flung outwards by centrifugal force during operation and held against the surface of electrode 18. A ring anode 34, e.g. of nickel rod, surrounds plate 32 and the basket contains an electrolysis bath, e.g. a low-stress nickel sulphamate bath whose surface on rotation assumes the shape shown at 48. Any liquid escaping over the edge 50 of the basket collects in non-rotating container 52, passes through filter 54 and pump 56 and is returned through funnel 46 via line 58. Electrode 34 is connected as anode through a thin conducting sheet 36, rod 26 and a loop 38 of flexible wire to the power supply, while the deposition electrode is connected as cathode via shaft 14 and brush 44. The reinforced deposit may be adherent or, by use of a stainless steel electrode 18 it may be removed as a tape.