Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing - May/June '24 - 27

PLATING AND ANODIZING: ELECTROLESS NICKEL
potentially decompose which makes the
solution virtually unusable, potentially
requiring disposal. Figure 3 illustrates
the improved solution stability that RI
ENP exhibits compared to a conventional
ENP process.
The experimental data shown in
Figure 3 was generated by boiling a fresh
(0 MTO) solution in a clean beaker, free
of scratches and etching. The solution
volume was maintained at a constant
level with DI water throughout the
duration of the experiment. The beaker
was removed from the heat source and
observations regarding the condition
of the EN solution were recorded at
30-minute intervals. The critical metrics
for evaluation included:
Time to initial seeding
Seeding is characterised by visible nickel particles located
on the bottom of the beaker. Once seeds form, localised
gassing will be observed even after boiling has subsided.
Time to plate-out
Plate-out is characterised by the formation of nickel
sheets or large nickel solids within the test solution. The
plated-out nickel may not adhere to the beaker surface and
become free-floating within the solution.
Time to decomposition
Decomposition can be characterised in one of two ways:
* Formation of large black colloidal nickel particles floating
within the test solution. A large degree of vigorous
gassing often correlates with the onset of decomposition.
* Some formulations do not achieve full decomposition.
In these cases, the plate-out stage continues with the
nickel sheets continuing to grow. If this is the case
during testing, decomposition would be characterised by
nickel concentration decreasing below 15 per cent of the
starting nickel concentration.
Figure 3 demonstrates that the RI ENP shows superior
solution stability, especially in the case of the " time to
plate-out " and " time to decomposition " metrics, which
may directly result in a reduction in plate-out on tanks and
ancillary equipment. This improved performance reduces
downtime and the labour and chemical costs associated
with stripping. At the end of the day, RI ENP improves
nickel utilisation. This means more nickel is used for
value-added plating on customer parts and less time and
money is spent on removing nickel from racks.
The adoption of sustainable technology will continue
to be a primary area of focus for organisations looking
to outpace their competition. As an innovative and
sustainable low metal solution, Reduced Ion EN is a nextgeneration
technology that will continue to drive improved
performance and efficiency in electroless nickel plating.
May/June 2024
27
Figure 3: " Boiling stability " of RI ENP vs conventional ENP
Ambrose Schaffer is the global product line manager for
electroless nickel at MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions.
http://www.dynamix-inc.com
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing - May/June '24

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