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Bubbles resulting form electroplating

November 9, 2010

Hi guys,

Prior to further SEM analysis, I was wondering what is a good visual factor which indicates a good electroplating process?

I am trying to electroplate bismuth/antimony onto my carbon fibres. During the process there are a lot of bubbles generating from both ends. Is it good? and from what I've read there are few factors to look out for.

1) distance between the anode and cathode.
2) pH of the solution.
3) Temperature of the bath
4) current density

But I'm not really sure how all of the above affects the electroplating process.

Jian xiang pang
Research student - Nottingham

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Hello,
Besides the factors listed in your letter, the nature of anode(soluble or inert) and Cathode, polarising characteristics of the electrolyte, Oxygen, chlorine etc. Overvoltage at the anode,Hydrogen over-voltage at the cathode, conductance of the electrolyte, rate of deposition, nature of deposit desired, Metal concentration, organic additives, etc. also play a part in successful plating.A number of experiments varying different parameters may lead to satisfactory results.You may go through some standard books on electroplating like "Modern Electroplating" [on AbeBooks, eBay, or Amazon affil links] by Lowenheim and Electroplating Engineering Handbook [on AbeBooks or eBay or Amazon affil links] by Kenneth Graham for fuller understanding.
Good Luck!
S.Ramajayam

Subramanian Ramajayam
consultant - Bangalore, India
January 5, 2011

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