HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 10034

Black Chrome for solar collectors

Black Chrome Plating is supposed to be useful for Solar Applications but could anybody explain how a black coating can have good absorption and poor emissivity, kind of goes against what we all learned about blackbody radiation. Can Black Chrome Plating be done on all substrates or does it have to be done on a particular base metal?

hanks in advance.

Firdosh S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Bangalore, India

Don't know about the theory, but it works. Black chromium, as applied from proprietary solutions is a very useful finish for solar collectors.

It should be applied over nickel on steel or copper, to improve the corrosion protection.

Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania

THE BLACK CHROME IS JUST ABOUT THE ONLY FINISH THAT CAN WITHSTAND THE CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF A COPPER PLATE OR TUBING.

MARTIN M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- NORTHVILLE, Michigan

Thanks for participating, Martin. I don't think that's quite accurate though. A number of platings have outstanding adhesion, but black chromium offers the perfect spectrum for efficient solar collection and no outgassing to cloud the glass. Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

ANSWER or FOLLOW UP POST an unrelated QUESTION HOT Topics

Disclaimer: It is not possible to diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information
presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The
internet is largely anonymous; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations may be deliberately harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: