Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Carbonates in non-cyanide plating solutions

Does anyone know if carbonates will even form in non-cyanide neutral plating solutions?

Romina Garcia
Engineer - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
September 17, 2010

I will not answer directly but to say that if you leave an open container of sodium hydroxide, or most any other sodium compound, it will take CO2 from the air and form sodium carbonate. This accelerates with heat. And we all have experienced carbonates increasing in a non-cyanide alkaline zinc plating solution with time and temperature.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

First of two simultaneous responses -- September 23, 2010

Second of two simultaneous responses -- September 23, 2010

Hi Romina,

It's possible if the neutral plating solution is slightly alkaline with air agitation:

E.g. 2NaOH(aq.) + CO2(g) ==> Na2CO3(aq.) + H2O

Regards,
David

David Shiu
- Singapore

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: