Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Why Boric Acid in Nickel Plating?

I am using a solution of Nickel Sulphate, ammonium chloride and boric acid with a nickel electrode, to electroplate nickel onto iron. However I am unsure as to the operation of the Boric acid and Ammonium chloride in the solution. Can you explain and maybe give a general equation for this please?

Thanx,

Graeme Cruickshank
- Glasgow, Scotland
2003

The boric acid is there to buffer the pH and improve the life expectancy of the bath. I can only presume the ammonium chloride is there to improve electrical conductivity, but I have never come across this formulation in nickel plating. I would expect the deposits to be very stressed as ammonium ions will induce stress. The chloride ions will help the anodic dissolution of the nickel. I would suggest you use either a watts nickel or a sulphamate based nickel, they are much better.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: