Silver vs. Palladium identification

Is there a simple, fast, litmus test to determine if I have silver or nickel/palladium plating on copper semiconductor leadframes?

Steve Swendrowski
Semiconductor assembly - San Diego, California, USA
2004

Spot test for nickel is: drip 1 drop concentrated nitric on coating and let sit for 1 minute. Dab up with white filter paper. Add 1 drop of dimethygloxime to spot on filter paper. A red color indicates nickel.

Spot test for silver is: drip 1 drop concentrated nitric on coating and let sit for 1 minute. Neutralize with 1 drop NaOH. A dark brown precipitate indicates silver.

Mary Cera
- Oklahoma City, OK
2004

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