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


-----

Zirconium and iridium plating of copper

Q. Dave at artisanplating.com suggested I post here to see if I can find anyone who can help. I am looking to plate copper wire (maybe 1 mm in diameter, maybe half that) with a total length of around 200 cm, but approximately coiled so that the wire occupies a cylinder around 25 mm in diameter and 100 mm long. I think a coating thickness of half a micron is fine. I would need one with zirconium and another with iridium.

Alternatively I am also exploring using molybdenum coatings if someone can provide that as well. I will be placing this thing in liquid gallium and my research has indicated that copper will dissolve in the gallium, but molybdenum won't (I am presuming zirconium and iridium won't either as I am basing this off a published design).

I am looking for a basic idea of the cost at this point, I am still developing the design of the experimental apparatus and cost is a factor (and one reason why I am considering molybdenum).

Thank you for your time and attention!

Keith Oxenrider
Researcher - Silver Spring, Maryland
January 17, 2012


January 19, 2012

A. Iridium plating solution:
(NH₄)₂IrCl₆......6-8 gms
sulfuric acid........0,6-0,8 gms
temp.18-25°C
pH 1,4-1,7
0,1A/dm2

According to:
A.M.Yamplskij -Elektrolitieeskoe osaidenie blagorodnih I redkih metalov, Leningrad 1977.

Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia

A. Hi. Zirconium cannot be electrodeposited out of an aqueous bath because it is too active a metal. You might investigate whether there are any fused salts baths for this process, or any applicable PVD processses. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 2014