Cu and Ni deposits are obtained by galvanostatic methods using baths with and without additives. The influence of brighteners and levellers on the physico-chemical characteristics is determined. For deposits with additives, X-ray diffraction shows a randomly oriented texture with small grains, while without additives a preferential orientation with a larger grain size is observed. Cross section observations reveal a lamellar structure from bright baths and a columnar structure without additives. X.P.S, analysis shows that use of organic additives results in the presence of small amounts of S, C and possibly Na in the deposits. Samples oxidation, studied by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis between 600 and 1000 degreesC, follows the parabolic rate law with higher rates for the samples electrodeposited with additives. These results show that parameters such as texture and roughness are not of great importance, while other factors such as grain size, microporosity, state of stress and inclusion of impurities seem to control the oxidation rate.