Collect information on electroplating. Explain in detail about this technique in
day to day life. (atleast three articles)
Answers
Electroplating is the process of applying a metal coating on another piece of metal (or another conductive surface) through an electro-deposition process. In electroplating, the deposited metal becomes part of the existing metal with the plating or coating and it forms a surface mixture.
In Electroplating, both an anode and a cathode (the metal part to be coated) are immersed in an electrolytic vessel that is composed of a solution of salts, including the metal to be plated. A direct current (DC) of electricity is passed through the solution, affecting the transfer of metal ions onto the metal which serves as a cathodic surface, plating the metal onto the item.
The materials used in the electroplating (coating) process depend on the composition of the plating metal and the deposition conditions. The most commonly used materials for electroplating are:
(a) Nickel
(b) Black nickel/chromium
(c) Chromium
(d) Palladium or Palladium Nickel Alloy
(e) Gold
(f) Silver
(g) Copper
(h) Tin
(i) Platinum
(j) Ruthenium
(k) Cadmium
(l) Brass
(m) Zinc
A list of articles in day to day life where electroplating is used are:
1. Aesthetics
2. Protective Barriers
3. Prevent Friction
4. Conduction of Electricity
5. Prevent Tarnishing
6. Increasing Thickness
7. Protection from Radiations
8. Commercial applications
9. Smoothness
10. Aerospace and Aviation
Note: Electroplating involves plating of low reactive metal over a high reactive metal surface. This is also called a protective coating. By electroplating, the metals are protected from various external factors like air, moisture, and other gases.