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Micro positive features on Au plated surface

I'm plating a Cu barrel approx. 1cm^2 of surface area using 8mA of current and noticing these strange nodules on the surface. The plating solution is being cycled through a micron filter and I can't tell where these features are originating from. Any ideas? Preparation of the surface consists of a dip in a ultrasonicated bath of Metex followed by a dip in Ethanol.

Please help. Thanks.

Saifa Phommarine
Scientist - Ca
March 25, 2008

My suspicion is that that is not a proper pretreatment sequence, Saifa, and instead of metallurgically bonding to the copper you are causing gold stalagmites to seed and grow on the passive surface. Copper must be acid activated before plating onto it.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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March 26, 2008

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