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Micro Electronics Nickel/Gold Plating to Completely Eliminate Nickel Oxidation

Q. Presently I have sintered Electroplated Nickel (200 µinches) on top of Moly/Mn on top of ceramics. I am sending it to a plating house who re-activates the Nickel (Chemically) followed by a gold flash 10 µ inches followed by Barrel Au plating of about 30 µ inches. But once I solder two pieces of my ceramics I noticed small area's where I suspect Nickel oxide is present.

How can I first detect Nickel Oxide prior to Gold flash?

How can I absolutely get rid of the oxide?

Is there an inexpensive process to perhaps deposit Ni and Au in vacuum so there is little chance for oxidation?

Many thanks

Scott Rassoulian
Director of Program - Beverly, Massachusetts
September 26, 2012

A. The gold is rapidly sucking up into the hot solder and the solder is not sticking to the bare nickel.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

September 27, 2012

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