MetallurgyTechniques
-A
brightner formulation for depositing bright nickel
from Watt's type electrolyte
Introduction
A national research organisation is offering a process
for brightener formulation for depositing bright nickel
from Watt's type electrolyte. A finished product with
lustrous appearance always receives consumer attraction,
especially when it is an outdoor fitting, automobile
part, plumbing fixture, furniture or jewellery. Bright
nickel with an overlay of chromium is widely used for
producing such an attractive finish on various substrates
ranging from aluminium to zinc. Normally, nickel plated
from a conventional electrolyte without additive is
dull in appearance. Instead, nickel can be plated in
the bright condition itself with the addition of certain
organic compounds 1 called brightener.
The chemistry of such brighteners
remains a guarded secret so that in India the supply
houses interested in marketing them, procure the same
from foreign patentee firms and mix them suitably for
marketing. The institute know-how makes it possible
to prepare the brightener system based on indigenously
available chemicals and require simpler operations like
refluxing, mixing and filtration.
The brightener when added to a conventional
Watt's nickel electrolyte produces lustrous deposits
with a high degree of reflectivity and 65-75% levelling
ability. The physico mechanical properties remain well
within the desirable ranges. The brightener system can
be easily controlled by suitable techniques for replenishment
in solution as required.
Areas of application:
Materials, coatings.
Production capacity:
5000 litres per year of 300 working days.
Inputs required:
Land : 40 sq.m.
Economic data
Total project Cost : Rs. 2,67,000
Operational cost/year : Rs. 5,80,890
Machinery/equipment : Rs. 51,550
Return on investment : 25.9%
Break even point : 53%
Transfer forms : know-how
Target countries
: Worldwide
For further
information please contact:
Technology Bureau for Small Enterprises,
APCTT Building, Near Technology Bhawan,
PO Box 4575, Off New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110 016
