Zinc Electroplating at Home
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 เม.ย. 2022
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/ @ajrestoration So this was my first time trying my hand at electroplating.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Electroplating is the process of coating one metal over another by using electricity, mainly done to provide protection from corrosion. Using the electroplating process enables to change of the chemical and physical properties of a metal. Electroplating is done by the process of electrodeposition and involves the formation of an electrolytic cell consisting of the cathode and the anode, immersed in an electrolytic solution. The object is to be plated and the metal is dipped into the aqueous solution containing the metal ions. When a direct current is applied to the aqueous solution, the metal at the anode begins to dissolve, and the free metal ions reach the cathode to form a thin layer of coating on the object. The object to be electroplated is also called a substrate. Zinc is mostly used to provide electroplating to steel or iron material, although many other metals can also be electroplated using zinc.
The zinc electroplating process involves the formation of an electrolytic cell consisting of two metals that form the electrodes and pass electric current to the electrolyte. While zinc forms the anode, the metal to be electroplated forms the cathode. When an electric current is passed through the aqueous solution, the zinc ions travel through the aqueous solution and attach themselves to the surface of the substrate, forming a thin plate. Zinc plating is done in a variety of aqueous solutions, like alkaline cyanide, alkaline non-cyanide, or acid chloride salt solutions.
Zinc Electroplating Steps
Step 1
Cleaning the Substrate
Cleaning of the substrate is done in order to remove any dirt, rust, oil, etc., from the surface. An alkaline detergent is used to clean the surface to ensure the zinc electroplating is of good quality, and the plating remains intact for a long period of time. Improper cleaning usually results in a variety of plating defects like peeling or blistering over a period of time.
The process of cleaning an object involves two steps: an alkaline bath and electro-cleaning. Soaking the metal in an alkaline bath for 5 - 10 minutes, at about 150° F is usually enough to get rid of most of the soil and dirt. After this, the parts are cleaned further in an electro cleaner. An electric charge is applied to the metal either at its cathode or anode end, which results in the release of oxygen or hydrogen from the solution, cleaning the parts at a micro-level. The time and temperature factors are much the same as for the alkaline soak process.
Step 2
Activation or Pickling of the Substrate
Activation or pickling of the metal involves the removal of oxides and scales from the surface by using various acid solutions. These layers of oxides and scales are formed on the metal surface during their manufacturing, or while storage and handling. Pickling is commonly done using acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. The type of metal and the thickness of the scales present on the metal decide the type of acid, the dipping time, and the temperature required for the activation process.
Step 3
Zinc Electroplating
Proper cleaning and activation of the parts ensure that they are ready for zinc electroplating. The metal parts are first washed using water, followed by placing them into an aqueous solution, like alkaline cyanide. Then, a direct current is applied to the anode for a fixed amount of time. This results in the deposition of zinc ions at the cathode, i.e. the metal surface. For achieving uniform electroplating, it is necessary that the anode and the cathode are positioned suitably into the aqueous solution, and the current flows uniformly over the entire area of the metal surface. If the current flow is not uniform, it will lead to thicker layers of zinc plating over the areas receiving more amount of current, while forming thinner layers over the recesses.
A variety of chemical agents are used along with zinc electroplating in order to achieve the desired chemical and physical properties of the final product. The properties can be altered by suitable variations in the chemical agent being used, duration of soaking, an electric charge applied, and the time and temperature factors.
Step 4
Rinsing and Drying the Finished Product
The general rule is to rinse the parts with water after every step of the electroplating process. After the metal has been electroplated, it is washed in a water container to remove any contamination of the surface, followed by drying. In case of more contamination, water rinsing may be done multiple times. The parts are either cleaned in a rinsing tank or under running water, depending on the level of contamination and the extent to which the surface needs to be diluted in order to remove the contamination.
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That was absolutely amazing :) So intriguing and fun! :)
Nice, clear demonstration. Excellent video! 👍
Thank you! 👍
man, that must have taken a lot of study and trial and error. Good job! Thanks.
I like how there is absolutely no mention of any of the concentrations of solutions.
A very nice job. zinc plating by simple extrapolation of the number of things we buy that are zinc plated, simply has to be a safe and long tested treatment. Practically all "silvery" looking items you buy, other than cutlery, are likely to be zinc plated.
Yes, not a century long protection, but certainly proven to be decades long if treated properly. Chrome plating would be longer lasting if done in the multiple layers needed to obtain a long durable coating, but just look at the LONG list of problems the chrome industry faces, along with the enormous waste disposal costs for chrome and you will understand why zinc and "galvanizing" processes are so common.
Keep it going there. Doing a really good job with the descriptions as well.
Hola buen día! Usted nos podría hacer el favor de compartir el nombre de cada uno de los químicos ?
What are peoiples real world experience with this process? Mine are mixed to say the least.
I had a bunch of hardware of off a trailer that were really rusted. They were originally galanized or otherwise zinc plated (hot dipped) but were now orange and brown all over.
I used the wirewheel on the loose stuff, then vinegar for the deep rust removal and then zinc-plated them with this exact method shown.
I then even painted them with a zinc spray paint, and mounted on the trailer.
Not even after ONE DAY on the trailer and after a nights light rain there were orange streaks from the water run-off and in alle nooks and crannies in the steel profiles.
How can you ACTUALLY get the coating all over as it seems there always is a shadow cast on the parts where there is no line of sight from the anode and to the part.
So very relaxing. ☺️
Good morning from Southeast South Dakota
I tried it with simple setup. Salt solution+vinegar+magnesium sulphate, the coatings are very dull. Please help!!
good work
Is a :"Wiltec Charger 16A of battey rapid gzl30" able to nickel electroplate copper?
Good job
Sup! What is the name of the solution that gives it a yellow finish and where or how can I get it? Thanks and nice video 👌🏼
Looks very interesting 👍 did you find this easier or harder than Nickel plating ?
I think this is much easier.
Hi AJ
I have more or the same setup in my garage as you, sandblaster, powder coating etc. We have bought them at the same place. However would like to try Zinc electroplating, where did you buy your chemical from. Also from SA
good one
I think you did great ,I tried and made a mess 😆 maybe next time for me
Suggest you go for acid base zinc solution 🥰
Muy interesante
Very good video and demonstration. Can you give more information on what you used and where you purchased?? I have some small car parts that need to be rezinced and I can't find anyone nearby that can help.
I got this kit from a local company in South Africa. You might be better off buying a Zinc plating kit local to where you are.
How did you make the acid pickle? Do you mind sharing the quantities?
You can buy kits online that include it.
Great video, although would have been even better if that parrot was passivated first. What was in the Zinc solution?
3:45 - ⛈, how many thunderstorms do you have in South Africa and how frequent? 😟
Right now we have them quite frequent, we had record rainfall this season and some severe flooding in some areas.
Can you help me in doing the completed project
Yellow dip banane ki bidhi batade sar
List of chemicals plz
Can u do that with a bike tank
Probably yes, but for the tank I would rather have it chromed or nickel plated, it looks better and lasts longer.
And what are the solutions?
I bought the plating as a kit, I have no idea on what chemicals are in there.
Zinc plating for burners is not very wise. The green color of the flame will indicate it is giving of highly toxic fumes...nikkel is the plating of choice here.
It looked cool though.
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