Electroplating Is The Hydrolysis-Based Plating Of One Metal Onto Another, Usually To Stop Corrosion Or For Aesthetic Reasons
Electroplating |
Electroplating is a widely used industrial process
that involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto a surface of another metal
or object through the use of electric current. This process is used for a wide
range of applications, including the creation of decorative and functional
coatings, corrosion resistance, and the improvement of electrical conductivity.
The process of Electroplating involves a
series of steps that begin with the preparation of the object to be plated. The
object is first cleaned and degreased to remove any dirt or grease that may be
present on its surface. This is important because any contaminants on the
surface of the object can affect the adhesion and quality of the plated
coating.
After the object is cleaned, it is immersed in an electrolyte
solution that contains ions of the metal that will be deposited onto the
surface. The object is connected to the negative terminal of a DC power supply,
while a piece of the metal that will be deposited onto the surface is connected
to the positive terminal.
When the power supply is turned on, an electric current flows
through the electrolyte solution, causing the metal ions to be attracted to the
negatively charged object. As the metal ions come into contact with the surface
of the object, they lose their charge and deposit onto the surface, forming a
thin layer of metal.
The thickness of the plated coating can be controlled by
adjusting the voltage and current of the power supply, as well as the duration
of the plating process. The thickness of the coating can range from a few
micrometers to several millimeters, depending on the application.
One of the key advantages of Electroplating is the ability to create coatings
with specific properties. For example, electroplating can be used to create
coatings that are corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, or have high electrical
conductivity. The specific properties of the coating can be achieved by
selecting the appropriate electrolyte solution and adjusting the parameters of
the plating process.
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