Metallurgy Techniques - A Process for Electroless Nickel Plating from Acidic Baths at Room Temperature

Introductin

The process is economical, rapid and produces fast colours ( which do not fade in sun light as organic dyed colours). The finishes are fault free, uniform and corrosion resistant. In the process, aluminium is pre-treated and anodized in sulphuric acid with direct current. Subsequently, fast colours are obtained by a simple immersion of the anodized aluminium article in an acidic solution containing metallic salts and application of alternating current for a few seconds only

Major raw materials

(a) Sulphuric acid (b) sodium hydroxide (c) inorganic chemicals

Major Plant Equipment/Machinery

(a) DC Rectifier, (b) Pre-treatment, anodizing, colouring and storage tanks, (c0 AC power transformer, (d) Deionizing plant, (e) Refrigeration plant, (f) Steam generator, (g) Cables/Exhaust etc. costing Rs. 5.00 lakhs (approx.) All are indigenously available

Area of Application : Minerals, Metals and Materials

Applications

Finds major application and handicrafts, giftware, novelties, home appliances, architecture items, such as curtain walls, panels, window frame, roofing materials etc. and also black anodized finishes for solar cookers and solar selective coatings for efficient utilisation of solar energy.

Status of Specific Development :

The process is standardised at a scale of 15 cm x 15 cm panel and 5 litre solution and tested in a commercial anodizing plant

Ecological/Environmental Impact

Effluent generated during the process need to be treated before disposing off

Technology Transfer Assistance Offered

Includes (a) Process know-how (b) Details of equipment's (c) Plant Lay-out (d) quality assurance. Assistance in setting up the plant on separate terms

Additional Information

A plant with capacity to process 24,000 dm² area per day (3 shifts) costs approximately Rs. 10.00 lakhs. Ideally suitable for small scale for modernising running anodizing shops

Contact for more information:

Director
National Metallurgical Laboratory
Jamshedpur-831 007, India
Tel: (0)657-2271715, 2270092
Fax:(0)657-2270527
Email: director@nmlindia.org

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