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Consumer electronics maker asks why cyanide is used in electroplating

2003

1) what is the role of Cyanide in Cadmium bath. The Cadmium bath contains NaOH too.?

2) what is the role of Cyanide in Silver bath?

I don't know What are the advantages and disadvantages of use of COMPLEX SALTS IN electroplating. I will be happy with detailed description or the reference of the same.

Hiren Pathak
consumer electronics mfgr - Baroda, Gujarat, India

Hi, Mr. Pathak. The principal role of cyanide and other complex salts in any plating bath is to complex the metal ions, shifting the balance of the Nernst equation, in order to discourage immersion plating and to improve throwing and covering power. Cyanide is also the world's best cleaner. There are several consequences of cyanide in plating baths, some good and some bad. If you will tell us your situation that motivates the question, we can probably give you a much better answer. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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