The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Suitable finish on brass component when used in high humidity coast area

We are facing problem of oxidation in nickel plated brass component. Our product is install in coast area where humidity is very very high.

Please suggest what to do for this problem.

Bahadur Singh
electronics. - Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
2006

---

A high quality nickel-chrome plating (OEM auto quality) will last indefinitely.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

---

Mr. Singh

Could you provide more details about the component and the type of application?

T.S.N. Sankara Narayanan
- Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
(ed.note: The good doctor offers a fascinating blog, "Advancement in Science" )
2006

---

2006

Mr. Narayanan.,

Thanks for response,

We are manufacturer Electronic Energy meters. We are using brass terminals with nickel plated. Current of 100 Amp pass through this terminals.These meters are installed in coast area. In this area humidity is very high.

Bahadur singh
electronics - Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

---

Nickel will form a thin oxide film. Though the stoichiometry of the oxide film depends on the environmental humidity, in most instances the oxide film is a very good insulator. Fortunately, the oxide film that form on nickel is stable and it will not continuously grow at the expense of the coated layer. Hence, establishing a good electrical contact between nickel plated terminals would be possible if the load and/or current is sufficient enough to break the oxide film.

Nickel plating has been used in battery contact material in applications such as flashlights, toys, etc. In such cases, the voltages involved are sufficient enough to break the oxide film to carry current across the oxide film.

In your case, 100 Amp should be sufficient to break the oxide film on nickel plated brass terminal and to establish a good electrical contact.

If you are concerned about the corrosion resistance, then you can try electroless Ni-P or Ni-B coating instead of electroplated nickel. Studies have shown that electroless nickel is a useful alternative for traditional silver and tin plating in protecting circuit breaking equipment from corrosion up to one year without significant discoloration.

T.S.N. Sankara Narayanan
- Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
(ed.note: The good doctor offers a fascinating blog, "Advancement in Science" )
2006

---

White Bronze will last much longer in coastal areas without tarnishing.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2006

adv.