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UV/Vis Spectrophotometry methods

We have received a PerkinElmer Lambda UV/Vis spectrophotometer to use for analysis on mainly our electroless nickel baths and whatever else we can do with it is just bonus. I have tried to buy a copy of "Colorimetric Analysis of Metal Finishing & Metal Working Solutions & Effluents", by A. Knowles for some methods, but I cannot find it anywhere. My questions are

1. What is a place besides the aforementioned book to find methods for analyzing our EN plating solutions?

2. What types of plating solutions can be accurately measured using UV/Vis spectrophotometry?
(We do zinc, cadmium, copper, electroless and electrolytic nickel, chromates, chrome, anodizing, silver, gold, tin, tin-lead, zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate, and zinc-nickel.)

Robert Winkky
Plating shop engineer - Elmira, New York
August 12, 2008

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Nice piece of equipment!

Given appropriate standards, you could do a quick "go-no go" test on the solution's Ni content. There are also methods for trace level metals that you might apply to whatever inhibitor is added to your EN solution.

Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
August 13, 2008

Lots of luck! I want a copy and planned to order a copy from AMS International, but out of print and not in stock. No luck with Amazon or www.abebooks.com for used copy. Maybe you can do what I plan...order a copy on interlibrary loan and copy what I need.

Doug Hahn
- Indianapolis, Indiana
September 11, 2008

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September 12, 2008

I have a copy of Knowles book and have found it to be very helpful. It was also published in Europe by Finishing Publications. The book is still listed at this link:

finpubs-dwh.demonweb.co.uk/books-and-cd-roms/new-books/

Hopefully they are still publishing. If not, if they will provide copyright exception, I would be happy to copy specific methods for you.

Sincerely,

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.
Kansas City, Missouri