
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Function of stabilizer in Electroless Nickel Plating
May 18, 2010
Q. What are the functions and mechanisms of stabilizer (like Lead, Molybdenum) in Electroless Nickel Plating?
Cia Ming ThongIndustrialist - Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
A. To keep it from self destruction or gross plating out on the heaters/tank.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
"Electroless Plating"
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"Chemical (Electroless) Nickel Plating"
by G. G. Gawrilov
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A. Indeed, as said before, a stabilizer has many purposes. The main purpose is in the word itself, to stabilize the solution and prevent if from decomposition. Another reason is for uncontrollable plating, which mostly happens before the bath decomposes. And another reason is, for example 'lead', is to give the coating a more shiny look. When your parts are having a dull grey look, you can add a lead to create a more shiny surface.
Harald Machiels- Genk, Limburg, Belgium
June 18, 2012
A. Hello Cia.
Many proprietary electroless nickel baths have been reformulated in the last few years to no longer use cadmium or lead as stabilizers, because those ingredients can render them not RoHS-compatible. Good luck.
Regards,

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