What are the plating additives?
Author:Robby
Electroplating additives mainly include the following categories:
I. Brightening agent
Electroplating process, brightening agent is an indispensable additive, which can give the plating layer high gloss and excellent decorative. These additives usually contain some organic compounds, such as aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, etc., which can promote the uniform deposition of metal ions in the plating process, so that the surface of the plated layer is smooth and bright.
Second, leveling agent
Leveling agent is mainly used to improve the flatness of the plating layer, especially in the presence of small defects on the surface of the substrate, leveling agent can fill these defects, improve the overall flatness of the plating layer. Common leveling agents include some organic compounds containing sulfur and phosphorus.
Third, stress reliever
Plating process, due to the deposition of metal ions, may produce internal stress in the plating layer, resulting in cracking or peeling of the plating layer. The role of stress relieving agent is to reduce or eliminate these internal stresses, improve the adhesion of the plated layer. Commonly used stress relievers include some additives with buffering effect.
Fourth, accelerators and inhibitors
Accelerators and inhibitors are mainly used to control the deposition rate in the plating process. Accelerators can accelerate the deposition of metal ions to improve productivity; and inhibitors can slow down the deposition rate, so that the metal ions deposited in a specific area, often used to obtain special effects of the plating layer. These additives are usually certain organic or inorganic compounds.
There is a wide variety of plating additives, and different additives have different effects on the plating process. In practical application, it is necessary to select the appropriate additives according to the specific requirements of the plating process and the metal material, in order to ensure that the plating process is carried out smoothly and the quality of the plated layer is excellent.