Electrodeposition bath analysis

IPT´s Laboratory for Corrosion and Protection has been involved in studying processes of metal electrodeposition since 1970. The Lab provides technological support to the industry by solving problems related to process efficiency; anode analyses; bath analyses and the determination of causes of deposit defects. In addition, the Lab develops research and development projects, proposing modifications in the composition of the baths and anodes for improving electrodeposit quality.

In recent years, the Lab has been working on finding alternatives for cyanide base baths, having already developed a project aimed at formulating an alkaline cyanide-free copper bath. This project was the objective of a Master´s Degree Dissertation entitled "Copper electrodeposition from cyanide-free alkaline baths". The bath uses the 1­hidroxietano­1,1­difosfônico (HEDP) as a copper complexing agent and provides adherent and bright deposits on steel and on zinc die-casting alloys. A patent application has been filed.

Tin and copper coating applied by electrodeposition

Research and development projects aimed at studying deposition mechanisms are also a focus of the Lab. The Ph.D thesis entitled "Study of the Electrodeposition of Zinc, Cobalt and Zinc/Cobalt Alloys through polarization curves” allowed suggesting mechanisms for deposition of zinc alloys with iron group metals (iron, nickel and cobalt).

IPT’s Laboratory for Corrosion and Protection has infrastructure and trained professionals to study electroplating processes and to fully characterize electrodeposits, such as: electrochemical cells; electroplating anodes of the vast majority of electrodeposition processes; rectifiers; mixers; heaters; chemical reagents; thickness measurement equipment (coulometric, magnetic eddy-current, X-ray spectrometer); microscopic characterization (optical microscopes, scanning electron microscope, confocal microscope), electrochemical characterization (potentiostats and frequency analyzers) and laboratory facilities for both bath and deposit chemical analyses.