ASTM B343-92a(2009)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel
Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel
ABSTRACT
This practice summarizes well-known, generally practical methods for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel. The types of nickel for which an overplate of nickel may be desired are dull nickel, semi-bright nickel, bright nickel, and nickel strike. The following cleaning treatments may be used for all conditions and types of electrodeposited nickel: degreasing and electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The procedures should be used for etching or activating the nickel surface are the following: anodic treatment in concentrated sulfuric acid; anodic etching in sulfuric acid; anodic etching in watts-type bath; acid-nickel chloride treatment; etching by acid immersion; electropolishing treatment; and cathodic treatment.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice summarizes well-known, generally practical methods for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel.
1.2 Electrodeposits of nickel on nickel are produced, for example, to improve the performance of decorative coatings, to reclaim electroplated parts that are defective, and to resume nickel electroplating after interruptions in processing. Interruptions may be deliberate, for example, to machine the electrodeposit at an intermediate stage in the electrodeposition of thick nickel coatings. The interruptions may be unintentional, for example, resulting from equipment and power failures.
1.3 To ensure good adhesion of nickel to nickel, precautions should be taken to avoid biopolar effects during nickel electroplating. This is of particular importance in return-type automatic plating machines where one rack follows another rack closely. Bipolar effects can be avoided by making the racks cathodic while they are entering or leaving the nickel tank. Separate current control on entry and exit stations is desirable.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: B343 − 92a (Reapproved2009) Endorsed by American
Electroplaters’ Society
Endorsed by National
Association of Metal Finishers
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B343; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 Surface conditions of the nickel may vary as follows:
2.2.1 Freshly electroplated surfaces that are still wet with
1.1 This practice summarizes well-known, generally practi-
electroplating solution or rinse water (see 5.1),
cal methods for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel
on nickel.
2.2.2 Freshly electroplated surfaces that have been allowed
to dry (see 5.2),
1.2 Electrodeposits of nickel on nickel are produced, for
2.2.3 Buffed, polished, or machine-ground surfaces (see
example,toimprovetheperformanceofdecorativecoatings,to
5.3), and
reclaim electroplated parts that are defective, and to resume
nickel electroplating after interruptions in processing. Interrup-
2.2.4 Surfaces that have been given a reverse-current treat-
tions may be deliberate, for example, to machine the electrode-
ment in an alkaline solution for cleaning or possibly stripping
posit at an intermediate stage in the electrodeposition of thick
an overplate of chromium (see 5.4).
nickel coatings. The interruptions may be unintentional, for
example, resulting from equipment and power failures.
3. Cleaning
1.3 To ensure good adhesion of nickel to nickel, precautions
3.1 The following cleaning treatments may be used for all
should be taken to avoid biopolar effects during nickel elec-
conditions and types of electrodeposited nickel. The choice of
troplating. This is of particular importance in return-type
the procedure will be governed largely by the condition of the
automatic plating machines where one rack follows another
surface.
rack closely. Bipolar effects can be avoided by making the
3.1.1 Degreasing—Degreasing is used to remove the bulk
racks cathodic while they are entering or leaving the nickel
of grease, oil, and buffing compounds that may be present on
tank. Separate current control on entry and exit stations is
the surface. The cleaning may be effected with vapor
desirable.
degreasing, organic solvents, emulsion cleaners, or soak
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
cleaner.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.2 Electrolytic Alkaline Cleaning—Removal of final
standard.
traces of dirt, grease, and oil is accomplished best with
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The solution may be either a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
proprietary cleaner or a formulated one. Since a nickel surface
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
forms an oxide coating if treated anodically in an alkaline
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
solution, this condition must be altered in subsequent steps if it
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cannot be avoided.
2. Types of Nickel
4. Activating
2.1 Thetypesofnickelforwhichanoverplateofnickelmay
4.1 The procedure used for etching or activating the nickel
bedesiredaredullnickel,semi-brightnickel,brightnickel,and
surface usually determines the soundness of the adhesion. The
nickel strike. Variations in these types may possibly require
choice of the procedure may be governed by the condition of
special handling.
the surface and possibly the type of nickel. The milder etching
treatment should be used in the case of highly finished
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic
and Inorganic Coatingsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.02 on
surfaces, but it may result in sacrificing maximum adhesion.
Pre Treatment.
The thickness of the nickel may militate against the use of
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009. Published December 2009. Originally
ε1
certain etching procedures, and therefore the thickness re-
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as B343 – 92a (2004) .
DOI: 10.1520/B0343-92R09. moved is indicated for each procedure described in 4.2 to 4.8.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B343 − 92a (2009)
4.2 Anodic Treatment in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid— (density 1.18 g/mL) diluted to 1 L, or 150 mL of concentrated
(Nickel removed nil). A70 mass % sulfuric acid solution 96 mass % sulfuric acid (density 1.83 g/mL) diluted to 1 L. See
containing 661 mL of concentrated, 96 mass % sulfuric acid 4.2. The length of the immersion required may vary from 10 s
(density 1.83 mL) diluted to 1 Lmay be used for activating the to 1 min.
nickel surface provided the temperature of the solution is not
4.7 Electropolishing Treatment—(Nickel removed approxi-
over 30°C (see Warning). When the initial mixture cools,
mately 1.3 µm.) This procedure is commonly employed on
dilute to exact volume. The time of treatment should be about
rejects that have been repolished to remove the defective area.
1 min at a current density of 10 A/dm . At this current density
The electropolishing solution commonly used consists of a
the nickel normally goes passive and a bright surface becomes
mixture of 150 mL of 96 mass % sulfuric acid (density 1.83
only slightly dull. This type of passivity is removed by
g/mL) and 630 mLof 85 mass % phosphoric acid (density 1.69
subsequent rinsing in water. (Warning—Slowly add the sul-
g/mL) diluted to 1 L. See Warning in 4.2. Temperature of
furic acid with rapid stirring to the approximate amount of
solution ranges from 45 to 55°C. The work is made anodic at
water required.) 2
current densities from 15 to 20 A/dm . The electropolishing
4.3 Anodic Etching in Sulfuric Acid—(Nickel removed treatment is usually applied for 2 to 15 min. The cathodes may
be electrolytic nickel strip. Subsequent alkaline cleaning and
approximately 1.3 µm.) A25 mass % sulfuric acid solution,
an acid dip are normally used before electroplating.
containing 166 mL of concentrated, 96 mass % sulfuric acid
(density 1.83 g/mL), diluted to 1 L is used for this anodic
4.8 Cathodic Treatment—(Nickel removed nil.) These pro-
etching treatment in which the nickel surface is first etched at
cedures are recommended where the nickel surface has not
a low current density of 2 A/dm for 10 min and then made
been severely passivated. Prior cleaning may be required,
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Endorsed by American
´1
Designation:B343–92a(Reapproved 2004) Designation: B343 – 92a (ReapprovedElectroplaters’2009)Society
Endorsed by National
Association of Metal Finishers
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B343; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
´ NOTE—Warning note in 4.2 updated in May 2004.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice summarizes well-known, generally practical methods for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on
nickel.
1.2 Electrodepositsofnickelonnickelareproduced,forexample,toimprovetheperformanceofdecorativecoatings,toreclaim
electroplated parts that are defective, and to resume nickel electroplating after interruptions in processing. Interruptions may be
deliberate, for example, to machine the electrodeposit at an intermediate stage in the electrodeposition of thick nickel coatings.The
interruptions may be unintentional, for example, resulting from equipment and power failures.
1.3 To ensure good adhesion of nickel to nickel, precautions should be taken to avoid biopolar effects during nickel
electroplating. This is of particular importance in return-type automatic plating machines where one rack follows another rack
closely. Bipolar effects can be avoided by making the racks cathodic while they are entering or leaving the nickel tank. Separate
current control on entry and exit stations is desirable.
1.4
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Types of Nickel
2.1 The types of nickel for which an overplate of nickel may be desired are dull nickel, semi-bright nickel, bright nickel, and
nickel strike. Variations in these types may possibly require special handling.
2.2 Surface conditions of the nickel may vary as follows:
2.2.1 Freshly electroplated surfaces that are still wet with electroplating solution or rinse water (see 5.1),
2.2.2 Freshly electroplated surfaces that have been allowed to dry (see 5.2),
2.2.3 Buffed, polished, or machine-ground surfaces (see 5.3), and
2.2.4 Surfaces that have been given a reverse-current treatment in an alkaline solution for cleaning or possibly stripping an
overplate of chromium (see 5.4).
3. Cleaning
3.1 The following cleaning treatments may be used for all conditions and types of electrodeposited nickel. The choice of the
procedure will be governed largely by the condition of the surface.
3.1.1 Degreasing—Degreasing is used to remove the bulk of grease, oil, and buffing compounds that may be present on the
surface. The cleaning may be effected with vapor degreasing, organic solvents, emulsion cleaners, or soak cleaner.
3.1.2 Electrolytic Alkaline Cleaning—Removal of final traces of dirt, grease, and oil is accomplished best with electrolytic
alkaline cleaning. The solution may be either a proprietary cleaner or a formulated one. Since a nickel surface forms an oxide
coating if treated anodically in an alkaline solution, this condition must be altered in subsequent steps if it cannot be avoided.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.02 on Pre
Treatment.
Current edition approved April 1, 2004. Published May 2004. Originally approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as B343–92a(1998). DOI:
10.1520/B0343-92AR04E01.
´1
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009. Published December 2009. Originally approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as B343 – 92a (2004) . DOI:
10.1520/B0343-92R09.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
B343 – 92a (2009)
4. Activating
4.1 Theprocedureusedforetchingoractivatingthenickelsurfaceusuallydeterminesthesoundnessoftheadhesion.Thechoice
of the procedure may be governed by the condition of the surface and possibly the type of nickel. The milder etching treatment
should be used in the case of highly finished surfaces, but it may result in sacrificing maximum adhesion. The thickness of the
nickel may militate against the use of certain etching procedures, and therefore the thickness removed is indicated for each
procedure described in 4.2 to 4.8.
4.2 Anodic Treatment in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid—(Nickel removed nil).A70 mass % sulfuric acid solution containing 661
mLofconcentrated,96mass%sulfuricacid(density1.83mL)dilutedto1Lmaybeusedforactivatingthenickelsurfaceprovided
the temperature of the solution is not over 30°C (see Warning). When the initial mixture cools, dilute to exact volume. The time
of treatment should be about 1 min at a current density of 10A/dm .At this current density the nickel normally goes passive and
a bright surface becomes only slightly dull. This type of passivity is removed by subsequent rinsing in water. (Warning—Slowly
add the sulfuric acid with rapid stirring to the approximate amount of water required.)
4.3 Anodic Etching in Sulfuric Acid—(Nickel removed approximately 1.3 µm.) A25 mass % sulfuric acid solution, containing
166 mL of concentrated, 96 mass % sulfuric acid (density 1.83 g/mL), diluted to 1 L is used for this anodic etching treatment in
2 2
which the nickel surface is first etched at a low current density of 2 A/dm for 10 min and then made passive at 20 A/dm for 2
min and finally cathodic for 2 or3sat20A/dm . SeeWarning in 4.2.The temperature of the solution should be kept below 25°C.
This treatment results in excellent adhesion, but the amount of etching makes it less desirable for a highly finished surface.
4.4 Anodic Etching in Watts-Type Bath—(Nickel removed approximately 4 µm.) This procedure employs an anodic treatment
2 2 2 2
in a low-pH Watts bath for 3 min at 1 A/dm (10 A/ft ), followed by cathodic treatment for 3 to 6 min at 3 A/dm (30 A/ft ). The
composition of the solution is 240 to 300 g/Lnickel sulfate (NiSO ·7H O), 40 to 60 g/Lnickel chloride (NiCl ·6H O), and 25
4 2 2 2
to 40 g/L boric acid. It is operated at a temperature between 25 and 50°C and at a pH between 1.5 and 2.0. An additional bath is
not required if a mea
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