Committee Chair

Mahtabi Oghani, Mohammad Javad, 1982-

Committee Member

Margraves, Charles H.; Ibrahim, Hamdy

Department

Dept. of Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Metal electrodeposition onto polymeric substrates yields a favorable method to produce high-quality components for injection molding and other manufacturing and engineering applications. This work examines the fundamental electrochemical mechanisms involved in the deposition of nickel from a Watts-type electrolyte. It outlines the complex interplay of electrolyte composition and process parameters to optimize deposition quality. Furthermore, this thesis contrasts traditional primary metallization methods with advanced techniques such as silver conductive paint revealing distinct advantages. Evaluations of additive-free and saccharin-enhanced Watts electrolytes demonstrate that saccharin significantly improves surface smoothness, reduces porosity, enhances hardness to over 550 HV, and increases tensile strength up to 800 MPa, although with increased brittleness address by post processing heat treatment. This work also explores novel methods of electrodeposition of nitinol binary alloy with promising composition results revealing near equal deposition by weight.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my family, especially my parents, whose guidance has shaped every stage of my education, and to my siblings, whose unwavering support and thoughtful feedback have continually motivated me. My sincere thanks go to my advising professor, Dr. Mahtabi, whose mentorship began in my undergraduate years and has been instrumental ever since. From conversations on academic or other matters to tirelessly uncovering new opportunities for me, his steadfast encouragement has been vital to my progress. I am also thankful to my committee members, Dr. Margraves, and Dr. Ibrahim, for generously devoting their time, insight, and expertise to steer this thesis to completion and help me reach this milestone.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

8-2025

Subject

Additive manufacturing; Electroplating; Nickel--Electrometallurgy

Keyword

Electrodeposition; Watts Bath; Additively Manufactured; Polymers; Nickel; Metallization

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

xii, 63 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Date Available

8-31-2026

Download

Available for download on Monday, August 31, 2026

Share

COinS