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Surfaces & Coatings-ANALYTICS IN THE AREA

Analysis of Electrolytic Solutions and Process Baths

To apply high-quality and functional layers, coating baths must function flawlessly. We analyze the composition of metallic coating baths, pre- and post-treatments, and rinses using chemical and physical analytical methods. Due to the complexity of matrices and high salt concentrations, we have a large portfolio of analytical procedures available to precisely detect basic values, potential contaminants, and possible issues. We can also perform practical testing of electrolytes on a laboratory scale using the Hull cell method.

 

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Routine Determinations

Process Bath Analysis

Electroplating solutions, coating baths, and rinses require constant monitoring. Important basic values must be maintained within their respective working ranges, and potential contaminants must not exceed certain tolerances. At the coating facility itself, continuous dosing is carried out. Whether the dosing amounts are correct, the degree of drag-out, and whether adjustments or dilutions are needed—all of this is part of process bath analysis. Using titration and instrumental analysis, we determine the overall condition of the coating baths and provide correction recommendations if necessary.

 

  • Foreign metals

  • Basic values of the baths

  • Surfactants and organic additives

  • Density, pH value, conductivity

Chromatography

Chromatographic analysis methods are used to analyze ionic or organic components in coating baths and electrolytes. Important components include sulfuric acid and catalysts in chrome baths, as well as brighteners in nickel and zinc electrolytes. We analyze the anionic components using ion chromatography (IC) and the organic components using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

 

  • Catalysts in hard chrome electrolytes

  • Sulfate in chrome baths

  • Brightener in nickel electrolytes

  • Anionic components in process baths

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Optical emission spectrometry / ICP-OES for metals

ICP-OES is an optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma. The bath sample is atomised in a suitable dilution in the plasma of the argon flame in the test device. The amount of the element to be determined in the sample is determined via the light absorption in the flame.

We can measure common metals with our ICP-OES. On the one hand, we have the ‘coating metals’, which are analysed in the clear two-digit gram range. On the other hand, foreign metals, i.e. contaminations carried over from other baths or from dissolving processes of the components to be coated, are an important indicator of the general condition of a coating bath.

What all measurements have in common is that we analyse in a very complex matrix with a high salt load.

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Titration

Many of the basic values of coating baths can be analyzed by titration. For instance, the metal content of most electrolytes is titrated complexometrically, while acids or cyanides, hydroxides, and carbonates are analyzed by titration, as are chloride and boric acid, which can be reliably analyzed titrimetrically. Some analyses are performed manually using indicators for color change. Of course, we also have titration processors available. The variety of titration analytics is enormous—complexometric, iodometric, potentiometric, or as reversed titration, often with very complex preparations.

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Physical Measurements

Density, pH value, Tensiometry

Physical parameters are crucial for the function of process baths and serve as good indicators for a trouble-free coating process. The advantage is that parameters like density, pH value, or conductivity can be determined relatively quickly and provide a rough indication of whether the bath parameters are within the tolerance range.

Tensiometry is somewhat more complex. We work with two different methods here: the ring tensiometer is used to measure static surface tension, while the bubble pressure tensiometer measures dynamic surface tension. The surface tension value can indicate the content of surfactants, which is an important parameter when it comes to uniform wetting of the surfaces to be coated.

 

  • pH value

  • Density and bath heaviness

  • Conductivity

  • Surfactants

  • Surface tension

Your contacts in the area of Analysis of Electrolytic Solutions and Process Baths

For enquiries about these analyses, please contact our laboratory team at anfrage@industrial-lab.de or get in touch with your contact person:

Christina Ziegler

Christina Ziegler

Head of Team Process bath analysis
 0212 22147 - 2
 Send e-mail

Sandy John

Sandy John

Head of Laboratory
 0212 22147 - 0
 Send e-mail