Improving the throwing power of nickel electroplating baths

The throwing power of nickel electroplating baths was measured from the extent of plating penetration inside a tube by applying a new formula which relates the degree of penetration to the crevice dimensions and plating current. The effect of different factors such as pH value, anion or cation additives on the throwing power of different composition baths were investigated. The throwing power was shown to improve with the increase of pH value and the addition of sodium ions in the form of chloride, sulphate, berate or hypophosphite salts. High values of throwing power of nickel baths were achieved in hypophosphite, chloride, sulphate and berate baths. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.