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Electroless nickel compatibilty with epoxy

 

I have a compatibility question. I want to use film epoxy to attach circuit boards to an electroless nickel plated aluminum housing. I wonder if, over time, there might be a problem with contact resistance. I know that most epoxies are a problem for use with tin or tin/lead plating. Is E nickel similar?

In addition I would like to know if Electroless nickel is a good choice to come in contact with Gold plating. Are there any galvanic issues? Are there any issues with Gold plating and Chromated Aluminum?

Larry LaPlante
Arcom Wireless - Salem, New Hampshire

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Is the epoxy conductive, and do you expect the epoxy to carry current? I don't understand the application if the question is about contact resistance through the epoxy.

Gold is plated over electroless nickel and electrolytic nickel often, so I believe it is a good combination for many applications.

Gold plating over what base metal in contact with chromated aluminum? The gold, of course, is inert, and the chromate conversion coating has neutralized the charges on the surface of the aluminum, but porosity and a moist environment could bring some corrosion between the aluminum and what is under the gold.

  
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania