Characterisation of a Zn / Ni Plating Bath
Abstract
For decades a suitable replacement for cadmium has been discussed and debate on the best alternative is still ongoing. Due to the toxic nature of most cadmium salts, a growing environmental pressure to reduce cadmium usage has lead some countries to ban the use of cadmium and research for alternatives was intensified. Cadmium is used for several applications due to its lubrication/friction properties in combination with corrosion protection. The lubrication ability of cadmium is an important factor in the fasteners industry, providing a corrosion protection that doesn t disturb the thread profile along with break-away torques that allow for fasteners to be mated several times without damage1. An additional difficulty for the replacement of cadmium is the extensive data collected over the years on cadmium s mechanical and corrosion protection properties on which industries all over the world rely on to develop new products. A wide range of possibilities has been suggested, from electroplated and electroless deposits to physical vapour coatings. Among the candidates to replace cadmium are the zinc-nickel alloys which can outperform cadmium in corrosion tests, exhibiting a resistance in salt spray test (ASTM B 117) up to 3000 hours.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 03, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA636989
Entities
People
- Alan Rose
- Bart Van Den Bossche
- Paulo Vieira