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Electroplating technology from ancient times to the present: How did it shine in industry?
Electroplating, also known as electrochemical deposition or electrodeposition, is a process in which a metal coating is applied to a solid substrate by direct electric current. The history of this technology not only reflects the progress of industrial development, but also affects the performance and appearance of many products in our daily lives. This article will explore the historical development of electroplating technology and its applications in modern industry.
Basic principles of electroplating
In the electroplating process, the part to be plated acts as the cathode (negative electrode), while the electrolyte is a solution containing metal cations, and the anode (positive electrode) is usually made of that metal or some inert conductive material. The current is provided by an external power source, which reduces the metal cations to metal at the cathode, plating the required metal layer.
Electroplating technology is widely used in industry and decorative arts to improve the surface properties of objects—such as wear and corrosion resistance, lubricity, reflectivity, conductivity, and even appearance.
Evolution of electroplating technology
Electroplating technology began to develop in the early 18th century. Italian chemist Luigi Valentino Brunatelli first invented electroplating technology in 1805, utilizing Alessandro Volta's invention: the voltaic cell. Although Brunatelli's invention was suppressed at the time, electroplating technology became more sophisticated over time, especially in Russia in the mid-19th century.
By 1839, British and Russian scientists independently developed a metal deposition process similar to Brunatelli's, and it was widely used in copper plating for printer printing plates.
Different electroplating methods
With the advancement of technology, many different electroplating methods have been introduced. For example, pulse plating technology uses rapidly switching voltages to change the composition and thickness of the deposited film in different pulses. This method can improve the quality of the electroplated film and release the internal stress generated during the rapid deposition process.
Brush plating
Brush plating is a similar technique that allows coating to be applied to parts or the entire object using a brush soaked in a plating solution. This method has the advantages of high efficiency and portability, and is very suitable for partial repair in industry.
Barrel electroplating
Barrel plating is another common technique, especially useful for handling large quantities of small items. In this process, the object is placed in a non-conductive barrel-shaped frame. As the barrel rotates, current flows through the object, achieving a uniform plating effect.
Applications of electroplating
Today, electroplating technology plays an important role in many industrial fields such as electronics, automobiles, and aviation. For example, a layer of electroplated copper on a circuit board not only improves conductivity but also increases overall strength. Compared with many traditional materials, electroplated products are usually more resistant to corrosion and wear.
For example, electroplating nickel can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the metal while also providing a shinier surface in appearance.
The importance of cleanliness
When performing the electroplating process, the surface cleanliness of the substrate is crucial. Any oil or contaminants will affect the adhesion of the coating, so the metal surface must be thoroughly cleaned according to ASTM B322 before plating.
The future of electroplating
With the advancement of science and technology, electroplating technology continues to develop. The addition of new materials and the introduction of new technologies will further expand the application scope of electroplating. However, some technologies such as electroless plating and deposition have also become alternatives, providing different solutions.
With the development of industry and technology, in what direction will electroplating technology develop in the future?
