OVIJIT DAS

ID: 1627031
GROUP: B1

Electrodeposition of Hard
and Decorative Cr on Steel
Exp 02
Course Teachers:
Dr. Sazzad Ahmad
Assistant Professor, MSE
Khulna University of Engineering and
Technology, Khulna
Wahidur Rahman Sajal
Lecturer, Department of MSE
Khulna University of Engineering and
Technology, Khulna
10 sept,2019.
Objectives:
1. To learn about the process which is called electrodeposition process.
2. To observe and experimenting the electrodeposition of hexavalent chromium on steel surface of the
sample.
3. To inspect and observe the sample after electrodeposition.
Theory:
From chromic acid based solution, chromium is plated on the surface of the steel. The ratio is found to
be 100:1, chromic acid: Hydrochloric Acid. In this ratio C.C.E (cathode current efficiency) is maximum.
The more dilute the solution, more hard and heavy metal deposition is found. That’s why dilute
solution is used. To obtain crack free deposition, high temperature high ratio bath with the ratio of
150:1 is used. Nowadays stressed under layer is used and also chemical post treatment is used. Which
is basically a second layer of nonmetallic fine silica powder. Trivalent chromium solution is more
effective to use because energy loss is less than hexavalent chromium solution. Also it is relatively less
toxic in nature.

Fig: Electrodeposition of Hexavalent Chromium on steel

In this experiment, The following Reaction occurs:
Steel is the cathode and lead is the anode in this particular reaction.

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Apparatus:
• Beaker
• Emery paper
• Water
• Chromic acid
• Sulfuric acid
• Drier
• Sulfuric acid
• Heater
• Weight machine
Experimental Procedure:
1. Groundwork of the sample:
A steel sample was prepared and it was made rust-free, dust free and without any oxide layer. At first
the sample was grinded with 600 grade emery paper. Then it was then washed and dried. After that
the sample was dipped into acid pickling for about 15 seconds to make it entirely oxidation free. It was
then eroded with water and dehydrated.
2. Calculation of the Sample:
Provided current density for group A was 10 Amp/dm2
Area of the sample = 2*4* width cm2
=2*4*3.8 cm2
= 30.4 cm2
= 0.304 dm2
Required current= current density*area
=10*0.304
= 3.04 amp

So, Height of the sample should be 4cm ( given)

3. Preparation of the solution:
Bath Composition:

The 300ml solution was made with 225g/l chromic acid (CrO3), 2.25g/l H2SO4 concentration.
To achieve the desired concentration, the following calculation was done:
For 300 ml solution amount of CrO3 = (225*300)/1000 = 67.5g.
The amount of H2SO4

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S1V1=S2V2
1.84x1000xV1 = 2.25x300
V1 = 0.367 mL
(Provided H2SO4 was 1.84kg/L)
4. Experimental Setup:
After the sample was prepared and and the solutions were prepared, the essential equipment was set
up. The sample and the lead anode were clamped by thread and deep into the hexavalent chromium
solution up to the intended height. Cathode-anode distance was 3cm. The positive assembly from the
battery-operated was connected to the lead anode and the negative assembly was connected to the
cathode which is steel sample. 3.04 Amp current was applied for time 5 minutes and after that the
current supply was disconnected and the sample was composed.
5. Post Testing measures:
After collecting the sample from the solution, it was cleansed with water and dried with the drier. The
weight of the sample was then taken.

Fig: Before electro-deposition

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Before electro-deposition, the steel surface was observed. A steel sample was prepared and it was
made rust-free, dust free and without any oxide layer. At first the sample was grinded with 600 grade
emery paper. Then it was then washed and dried. But after the electro-deposition, it is found with
rusty area and no rust was found at the 4 cm area where electro-deposition was performed with the
sufficient cathode current in the particular area. If the temperature is increased, the rate of deposition of Cr
will be more.

Figure : After electro-deposition with rusty area and no rusted area where deposition occurs

Result and Discussion:

Amount of chromium deposition:
Weight before deposition was found = 4.431g
Weight after deposition was found = 4.450 g
So, Weight gain =(4.450-4.431)g
= 0.019 g
Cathode Current Efficiency:
C.C.E =(m/Zit) x100%
=(0.019/.375*3.04*0.0833)x 100%
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=22.9%
The electro-deposition of Cr on steel is very common in the practical field. It is frequently used in the
industries. . This provides a protection to the surface from rust of the iron. Nowadays stressed under
layer is used and also chemical post treatment is used. Which is basically a second layer of nonmetallic
fine silica powder. Trivalent chromium solution is more effective to use because energy loss is less than
hexavalent chromium solution. The sample was observed in the next day and it is found there is no
rust where the deposition occurs.
REFERENCES:
[1] D. R. Gabe , D. W. Hopkins , “Principles of Metal Surface Treatment and Protection”, Volume 28 -
2nd Edition 1978

[2] Surface Engineering of Metals, Tasdeusz Burakowski

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