In the process of using nickel plating brightener, there should be no nitrate ions in the plating solution. The influence of nitrate ions on nickel plating solution is significant, as it can significantly reduce the current density of the cathode. When there is a small amount of nitrate ions in the plating solution, the low current area will not be able to deposit a nickel layer; When the nitrate content is low, the glossiness of the nickel plating layer decreases, and black stripes will appear in the high current area.
Customer Mr. Huang once mistakenly added nitric acid as sulfuric acid into the nickel plating tank during the production process, resulting in slow deposition rate of the workpiece and even inability to coat the coating. So, Master Huang sought help from Engineer Bigely.
Engineer Bigely analyzed the plating solution and determined that the concentrations of each component in the plating solution were within the working range. The engineer took the plating solution again for Hull cell plate making. The low current area of the test piece had no coating, while the high current area had black and gray stripes, confirming that the plating solution was affected by nitrate ions.
Engineers use electrolysis to remove nitrate ions from the plating solution: adjust the pH value of the plating solution to 1-2, raise the temperature of the plating solution to 60-70 ℃, and electrolyze at a current density of 1-2 A/dm2 to reduce nitrate ions to ammonia gas at the cathode, then gradually reduce the current density to 0.2 A/dm2 until the plating solution is normal.
Although the electrolysis method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, when Master Huang saw that the workpieces produced after the plating solution treatment were normal, he was pleased to say that he did not know the significant impact of nitrate ions on the plating solution before. Fortunately, Bigely's engineers patiently helped solve the problem. Such thoughtful service is worth recommending to friends around him!
Insight: In the production process, nitrate ions have a significant impact on the plating solution. When adding sulfuric acid, it should be carefully confirmed before adding to avoid adding it incorrectly and affecting the plating solution. Reducing failure rates, improving production efficiency, and reducing production costs are the value services and social responsibilities that BGI Technology provides to customers, enabling them to better use nickel plating brighteners.
