"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."
-----
Tarnishing of palladium plating
Hi,
I have a palladium (pure palladium) plated part that has tarnished, i.e. the surface has gone brown. The brown layer is quite evenly distributed across the part, and the color is darker round the edges. The layer can be scratched off. I suspect it's an oxide layer, but what is the possible cause for that?
WY Wong
- HK
If the Palladium is turning brown, it must be a very thin coating, and the underlying base metal is corroding through.
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
I'm afraid that you're confronted with the so-called "brown powder effect". This is caused by the fact that pure Palladium has a tendency to attract organics on the surface which finally form a brown film.
About this phenomenum are literature studies available. I've never seen it personally in practice but quite a lot about it has been published in the past.
Kind regards,
Harry van der Zanden
consultant - Tilburg, Netherlands
Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully 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 & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.
If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: