ELECTROPLATING

 Definition: It is a process by which the coating metal is deposited on the base metal by passing a
direct current through an electrolytic solution, containing the soluble salt of the coating metal.

Objectives of Electroplating:

1) To offer corrosion protection

2) To increase resistance to chemical attack and wear resistance.

3) To improve physical appearance and hardness.

4) To improve surface properties.

Characteristics of deposit and factors affecting it:

Thickness: For decorative purpose a thin layer deposit is done but for corrosion resistance a thicker layer
is required.

Adherence: Weak adherence of the electrodeposite leads to peeling off the coating in use. It is
measured by empirical methods like bending, twisting, sudden heating and cooling etc.

Hardness: It is a important parameter if deposition is done with the objective of protection against
corrosion.

Brightness: It depends upon smoothness of the surface and natural reflectance of the coating metal.

Protective value: It depends on porosity and thickness of the coating.

Factors affecting the deposit:

Throwing power: Ability of electrolytic Cell to give a deposit of uniform thickness over the entire
cathode area. The throwing power is higher if the cathode has uniform surface, moderate current
density and high conductivity electrolytes.

Temperature: Most of the Electroplating bath solutions are operated at room temperature. Warmer
baths improve solubility of the metal salt.

Cleaning of the article to be plated:A well cleaned and properly pre-treated surface of any material is
essential in having a long service life. Adherence increases if the surface is free of any impurities.

Composition of electrolytic bath:

1)Plating metal ion salt solution: The metal to be coated is provided by the metal salt which is taken in
the form of a solution in concentration of 1 – 3 mol/l

2) Complexing agent: These are added in order to get adherent and fine grained coatings. They also
help to prevent undesired reactions e.g. if the cathode is made up of iron and copper is to be plated
than copper ions are complexed with cyanide ions. Complexing agents are also used to avoid passivation
of the anode and to improve the throwing power of the bath.
3) Organic additives: a) Brighteners such as aromatic sulphonates and compounds containing cyanide
and carbonyl functionalities are used. These agents lead to microscopic fine deposits thereby enhancing
the reflectance of light

b) Levellers: Plating on regions where dislocations occur is faster due to faster diffusion of ions resulting
in uneven diffusion. Levellers help to reduce the diffusion rates by getting absorbed on the surface
thereby leading to uniform coatings. E.g. Sodium alkyl Sulphate in Nickel plating.

c) Wetting agents: They play the role of Levellers by helping to release the gas bubbles formed on the
surface. E.g. Sodium lauryl sulphate.

Current Density: It is defined as current per u it surface area of the cathode. The current Density has to
be at optimum level low C. D. Is favoured as it leads to uniform deposit due to faster diffusion process.

pH of the bath liquid: The pH should be at optimum level, any value lesser than that would give stronger
hydrogen evolution at the cathode and higher value yields Precipitation of hydroxide.

Electroplating bath setup:

1) Plating tank: A rectangular tank made of wood or steel with a ceramic or polymer lining inside so
as to provide thermal insulation.
2) Heating arrangement: Most plating operations are carried out at room temperature, heating
maybe carried out by using heating coils or passing hot gases through hollow tubes.
3) DC source: should suffice the requirement depending upon the metal to be plated and the
current density requirement .
4) Filters: Are employed to filter out metallic particles suspended in the bath liquid.

Electroplating of Chromium
Optimum conditions:
Plating bath composition: 100 parts of chronic oxide + 1 part of sulphuric acid.
Current Density: 100 – 200 mA/ cm2
Temperature: 45 – 60 degree celcius.
Anode: Pb- Sn alloy coated with PbO2
Cathode: Object to be plated.