Electroplating acid activation is a common metal surface treatment method, its main purpose is to enhance the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the metal surface.
Author: Marisa
Electroplating acid activation is a common metal surface treatment method, and its main purpose is to enhance the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the metal surface.
During the electroplating process, a layer of oxides or other contaminants will be produced on the metal surface. These substances will affect the adhesion between the electroplated layer and the substrate, causing the electroplated layer to be easily delaminated or peeled off. The acid activation treatment can remove these contaminants, clean the metal surface, and form a thin oxide layer on the metal surface. This oxide layer has good adhesion, which can enhance the adhesion between the electroplated layer and the substrate, and improve the corrosion resistance and stability of the electroplated layer. Therefore, electroplating acid activation is an indispensable part of the electroplating process.
When there are impurities such as oxides, grease, and contaminants on the metal surface, it will affect the adhesion between the electroplated layer and the substrate, causing the electroplated layer to fall off or peel off easily. Therefore, before electroplating, the metal surface needs to be cleaned and activated to remove these impurities and improve the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the metal surface.
The process of electroplating acid activation usually includes the following steps:
1. Degreasing cleaning: Soak the metal workpiece in a degreasing agent to remove grease and dirt on the surface.
2. Pickling: Soak the metal workpiece in an acidic solution to remove oxides and other contaminants on the metal surface, and form a thin oxide layer on the metal surface.
3. Water washing: Rinse the metal workpiece thoroughly in clean water to remove the acidic solution and other impurities.
4. Activation: Soak the metal workpiece in an activator to further clean the metal surface and form a thin oxide layer to enhance the adhesion between the electroplating layer and the metal substrate.
5. Water washing again: Rinse the metal workpiece thoroughly in clean water to ensure that the metal surface is clean and free of pollution.
Through these steps of treatment, the metal surface can achieve a certain degree of adhesion and corrosion resistance, and can better combine with the electroplating layer to form a strong, durable and corrosion-resistant electroplating layer. This is also the main purpose of electroplating acid activation treatment.