Issue with electrode position of Nickel

[arwen16]

When I tried to electrodeposit nickel film on a stainless steel substrate, the sample experienced internal stress, leading to swelling of the sample. How can I reduces this stress to obtain a smooth surface?

 

[dick_freebird]

I'll assume that your "electrodeposited" is an electroplating
process in a water based bath.

Did you do anything to remove the native oxide (chromium oxide)
before trying to plate nickel? Use a copper strike first?

Plating books should give you proven amperage per area on the
workpiece, good voltages and bath composition. The plating source
should have much more surface area than the workpiece and the
voltage, low enough to avoid generating hydrogen.