Application of ionic liquids and dendritic polymers in electrolytic metal layers of good tribological properties

Aim of project
Novel quaternary ammonium ionic liquids with the hydroxyl group and different anions have been synthesized. The basic thermophysical properties and the liquid-liquid equilibrium and solid-liquid equilibrium have been measured for many imidazoles, ammonium, imidazolium and phosphonium ionic liquids with water, alcohols, ethers, ketones, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Special attention was given to ethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)- dimethylammonium bis(trifl uoromethylsulfonyl)-imide, C2NTf2 and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolim ethylsulfate, [EMIM][EtSO4]. The densities and excess molar volumes were measured in several binary mixtures of ionic liquid + water, or alcohol. The intermolecular interactions were discussed for diff erent cations and anions of ionic liquids. As a result of these experimental measurements the analysis was made to choose the best ionic liquids (11) and polymers (2) for the production of the electrolytic composite nickel layers with ionic liquid, or polymer disperse phase. On the basis of results analysis of performed investigations and state of the art in the concerned fields there have been selected 11 ionic liquids and 2 polymers as candidates for additives suitable for effective modification of basic solutions in use at present as electrolytes during depositions of nickel layers by electro-crystallization and chemical methods.

Expected results
Positive results are obtained for 6 ionic liquids and 1 polymer only. Investigations of the nickel layer morphologies and internal structures have been realized by electron scanning microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The hardness of the produced nickel layer has also been determined. Studies of tribological and corrosion properties of the nickel layers produced by electro-crystallization as well as chemical methods were carried out. Degradation rates after tribological and corrosion tests of the studied materials were identified on the basis of scanning electron microscopic images of morphologies and topography of appropriate samples. The performed investigations have showed that the solutions modified by the ionic liquids allow the nickel layers production by electro-crystallization and chemical methods lead to materials exhibiting better tribological properties and corrosion resistance tailored hydrofobity when compared with nickel layers manufactured in classic solutions.