The UTC Graduate School is pleased to announce that George Thompson will present Master's research titled, Advancing Structural Applications of Nickel Electrodeposition onto Additively Manufactured Polymers on 06/18/2025 at 1:00pm in EMCS 403. Everyone is invited to attend. 

Engineering

Chair: Dr. Mohammad Mahtabi

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 allow with promising composition results revealing near equal deposition by weight.