CHROME PLATING TO INCREASE THE ADDED VALUE OF HOME INDUSTRY METAL PRODUCTS IN WEST SUMATERA
Abstract: Electroplating by
using direct current (DC) electrical energy can be obtained with a rectifier or
battery. The using of electric chrome plating forms hard surfaces, high
aesthetic value,corrosion resistant, wear resistant, and much in demand by the
public. In West Sumatra, mostof home
industryproducts of metal creation (steel, copper, brass) are not plated yet with
chrome, so that, they become less attractive. Adding the electric chrome plating to
the metal products
is then expected
to increase the
value of those
products. It is
essential to electroplating
copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) first before chrome (Cr). It is to improve the
adesivitasand brighten the metal. The
system solution used
are copper sulfate
(CuSO4) i =
6.68 A/dm2, t
= 2 min;
nickel sulfate (NiSO4) i = 3.5
A/dm2, t= 2 min; and chrome acid (CrO3) i= 5.1 A/dm2, t=
20 min. Energy source is a 12 volt battery 60 amperes. The result showed that:
a) Throwing Power solution tends to decrease after the first and second
plating; b) the average of layer thickness Cu: 8.54 µm, Ni: 6.65 µm, and Cr:
3.23 µm; c) goodadesivitas in which there’sno cracks even in 90o and
180o bending.
Penulis: Asfarizal Saad,
Nurzal dan Azwir Premadi
Kode Jurnal: jptmesindd130292
