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Tarnishing on copper plating

Q. In 1.2 mm thick sheet I am doing the copper (Barrel) plating of 5 to 10 microns (I am doing cyanide copper plating as an undercoat and acid copper for top for better look after that I am using some top coat as an anti tarnishing solution (packing is 100% perfect with all safety precautions for tarnishing). Still I am facing tarnish. What is the best suggestion?

Kannan Boopathi
Development - India
October 14, 2008

A. There are various causes of tarnishing. Check copper bath for metallic impurities, use a hot DI final rinse (water quality is often the culprit) and make sure the anti-tarnish solution is up to par. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
October 16, 2008

Q. 1. I have found in the web that TOLYTRIAZOLE & BENZOTRIAZOLE ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] are chemicals that can be used for anti tarnishing are there any recommended chemical or manufactures ?

2. Tarnishing usually appears after 48 hrs is there any method to know poor anti-tarnishing treatment within hours of few hours of plating?

Madhukar Nandakumar
- Bangalore, India
December 11, 2008

"The Chemistry of Benzotriazole Derivatives"

on Amazon or eBay
or AbeBooks
(affil link)

A. Hi Madhukar

Yes, benotriazole is a good answer. However, it is probably better to just go to your plating chemical supplier and ask for a copper tarnish preventer (which no doubt will be triazole-based). That way you will get instructions for use and keep your supplier in the loop so they can help you properly with plating issues as they periodically develop.

We don't suggest particular brands or sources in this forum ( huh? why?). Luck & Regards,

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