What is Electroplating?
Electroplating is basically the process of plating a metal onto the other by hydrolysis mostly to prevent corrosion of metal or for decorative purposes. The process uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations to develop a lean coherent metal coating on the electrode. Electroplating is often applied in the electrical oxidation of anions on a solid substrate like the formation of silver chloride on silver wire to form silver chloride electrodes.
Electroplating is majorly applied to modify the surface features of an object (e.g corrosion protection, lubricity, abrasion), but the process can also be used to build thickness or make objects by electro forming.
The Anode and Cathode
In electroplating practice, the current is usually introduced from an external source and the anode is the positive electrode and cathode is a negative electrode. The cathode is the electrode where the electrochemical reduction reaction occurs. The anode is that where the electrochemical oxidation reaction occurs.
The electroplating process uses an anode and a cathode. In electroplating, the metal dissolved from the anode can be plated onto the cathode.The anode is provided with direct current, oxidizing and dissolving its metal atoms in the electrolyte solution.At the cathode, the dissolved metal ions are decreased and the metal is placed on the product.
How does Electroplating Work?
To understand the concept further, let’s take an example of a gold coating. In this instance, a layer of gold is to be electrodeposited on metallic jewellery to enhance its appearance.
Usually, the gold plating is connected to the anode (+ve charged electrode) of the circuit and the jewellery is kept at the cathode (-ve charged electrode). Both are kept immersed in a highly developed electrolytic bat (solution). At this stage, a DC current is supplied to the anode that oxidizes the gold atoms and dissolves them into the solution.
The dissolved ions of gold are reduced at the cathode and plated on the jewellery.
However, there are major factors that influence the last plating. These include:
- The voltage level of current.
- The temperature and chemical composition of the bath.
- The current length of time.
- The distance between the cathode and the anode.
Uses of Electroplating
Talking about the uses of electroplating, apart from enhancing the appearance of the substrate it is used in various other purposes as well. The major application is to optimize a material’s resistance towards corrosion. The plated layer often serves as a sacrificial coating which reveals that it dissolves before the base substance. Some of the other common applications of electroplating involve:
- Improving wear resistance.
- Improving the thickness of the metal surface.
- Enhancing the electrical conductivity like plating a copper layer on an electrical component.
- Minimizing Friction.
- Improving surface uniformity.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is electroplating?
Electroplating is the process of aligning another metal onto a metal. This is accomplished using an electroplating apparatus that includes a brine solution, a battery, wires, and alligator clips that hold carbon rods attached to the metal to be electroplated and the metal to be layered.
What factors affect electroplating?
This process is influenced by a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the electrodes’ surface area, temperature, the type of metal and electrolyte used, and the magnitude of the applied current. The factors that influence the electroplating process will be investigated in this essay.
Where is electroplating used?
Electroplating is widely used in industry and the decorative arts to improve object surface qualities such as abrasion and corrosion resistance, lubricity, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and appearance.
What is the main principle of electroplating?
Electroplating is the method of depositing one metal over another in the presence of a metal salt (in aqueous solution). The water molecule is released as the final product in this process. As a consequence, electroplating is based on the theory of hydrolysis.
What acid is used for electroplating?
In the electroplating and metal finishing industries, methanesulphonic acid is used. Methanesulphonic acid has increasingly replaced fluoroboric acid as the chosen electrolyte for the electrodeposition of tin and tin-lead solder on electronic devices over the last ten years.
To know more about operations involved in electroplating process along with its applications in different fields, you can download BYJU’S – The Learning App.
FAQs
Electroplating is basically the process of plating a metal onto the other by hydrolysis mostly to prevent corrosion of metal or for decorative purposes. The process uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations to develop a lean coherent metal coating on the electrode.
What is electroplating and what are its uses? ›
Electroplating is primarily used to change the physical properties of an object. This process can be used to give objects increased wear resistance, corrosion protection or aesthetic appeal, as well as increased thickness. While electroplating may seem like advanced technology, it is actually a centuries-old process.
What are the rules of electroplating? ›
In the process of electroplating, an external source of electric current is usually applied. This takes place in an electrolytic cell. The electrode connected to the positive terminal of the battery is called anode, while the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the battery is called cathode.
What materials can be used for electroplating? ›
Some of the best metals to use to electroplate are gold, silver, copper, tin, platinum, nickel, chromium, cadmium, palladium, brass, and of course, zinc. Zinc is our favorite metal to electroplate at Professional Plating because it has so many cool properties!
What is electroplating explain with an experiment? ›
Electroplating involves the deposition of a metal onto an object composed of a different metal. An electric current reduces the cations in solution to form a thin layer on a conductive material. This current is run from the anode to the cathode.
Where is electroplating used? ›
Electroplating is widely used in industry and decorative arts to improve the surface qualities of objects—such as resistance to abrasion and corrosion, lubricity, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, or appearance.
What are the disadvantages of electroplating? ›
- The disposal of waste products produced during the proces of electroplating is a major problem. The waste conducting solution pollutes the environment.
- The process requires multiple coating of the metal, which is time consuming.
- The cost of setting up the apparatus is high.
Electroplating is a process that uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode.
On which principle is electroplating based on? ›
Electroplating is based on the principle of electrolysis in which a superior metal is dissolved in the electrolyte and is coated smoothly on the surface of an inferior metal. In this case, both the metals act as electrodes.
Can you electroplate two different metals? ›
You can electroplate a single metal onto an object, or a combination of metals. Many manufacturers choose to layer metals, such as copper and nickel, to maximize strength and conductivity.
The longevity of chrome electroplating depends on several factors, including wear, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, chrome-plated surfaces can last for decades with proper care, ensuring lasting protection and a sleek appearance.
How long does it take to electroplate? ›
Electroplating is a fast process. If it is set up right an initial layer is laid down in under a minute. If you want a thicker layer and a better quality, then that takes more time.
How thick can you electroplate? ›
The thickness of plating typically ranges from 0.0001 inch to 0.020 inch (0.0025 mm 0.508 mm).
Does voltage affect electroplating? ›
The main criteria for choice of the voltage in electroplating is so that diffusion of metal ions from solution happened fast enough, but electrolysis of water and/or oxidation of anions didn't happen. This means low voltages, preferably below 1 V when possible.
What is the conclusion of electroplating? ›
Conclusion. Electroplating is an essential metal plating process that uses electric current to reduce metal ions from a solution and apply them to a substrate to form a thin metal layer.
How is electroplating used in everyday life? ›
Electroplating improves appearance and functionality in many appliances and components around the kitchen. For instance, utensils, cutlery, pans, taps, and kettles. These all benefit from electroplating as it improve their looks and makes them easier to clean.
Which metal is not used in electroplating? ›
Answer: Sodium is not used for electroplating metal articles.
Can electroplating be done on plastic? ›
While plastic on its own is not a naturally conductive material, electroplating on plastic is still achievable. Unlike metal objects or parts, plastic materials cannot be immersed in a bath and coated. Instead, a more specialized plating technique is required.
Can stainless steel be used for electroplating? ›
Yes, plating onto stainless choice is an excellent choice for various applications. SPC can electroplate your stainless steel products using the same techniques we use for electroplating any other parts. We can electroplate carbon steel and alloy steel as well.
Can you electroplate Aluminium? ›
Aluminum electroplating increases the corrosion resistance of all aluminum alloys and stops galvanic corrosion where titanium, steel, copper or other dissimilar metals are in contact with aluminum alloys.
