Effect of the mechanical activation of a cathode on the structure of electrolytic copper single crystals

Abstract

The morphology of the electrolytic copper single crystals formed under the mechanical activation of a cathode is described. Pentagonal pyramids and conical microcrystals with high growth steps are shown to form during electrocrystallization under these conditions. It is experimentally found that microcrystals grow on disclination defects, in particular, at the sites of termination of twin growth boundaries, and mechanical activation causes the formation of such defects.