Vacuum deposition of copper on Type 304L stainless steel

The standard procedure for electroplating a thin layer of copper on type 304L stainless steel requires several aqueous pretreatment steps. Several of these steps are associated with the generation of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous wastes. An investigation was conducted to determine if a more environmentally acceptable procedure can be implemented to replace the current approach. The study consisted of vacuum depositing copper onto 1-in.-square 304L coupons under different vacuum deposition conditions and, subsequently, examining the microstructure and adhesive properties of the coating produced. The results indicated that a noncolumnar, fine-grain copper coating with high adhesion can be produced using this environmentally more acceptable approach