Surface Metallization of Glass Fiber(GF)/Polyetheretherketone(PEEK) Composite with Cu Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering and Electroplating

Surface metallization of glass fiber(GF)/polyetheretherketone(PEEK)[GF/PEEK] is conducted by coating copper using electroplating and magnetron sputtering and the properties are determined by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The coating bonding strength is assessed by pull-out tests and scribing in accordance with GB/T 9286-1998.The results show that the Cu coating with a thickness of 30 μm deposited on GF/PEEK by magnetron sputtering has lower roughness, finer grain size, higher crystallinity, as well as better macroscopic compressive stress,bonding strength, and electrical conductivity than the Cu coating deposited by electroplating.

Effects of Electroplating Effluents on Growth, Heavy Metals Accumulation and Concentrations in Amaranthus viridis Lin.

Pollution in recent times has become prevalent due to industrial expansion,hence,releasing pollutants into the environ-ment.Thus,this study aimed at investigating the effects of effluents from electroplating companies on growth,heavy metals accumulation and concentrations in Amaranthus viridis.Seeds of A.viridis were obtained from the National Institute of Hor-ticulture,Ibadan.Loam soils were collected from Lagos State University and two samples of electroplating effluents were obtained from Oregun,Lagos.Seeds were sown,nursed,and transplanted in a uniform bucket filled with 5 kg loam soil and transplanted seedlings were treated with Effluent A(5 and 10%conc.)and Effluent B(5 and 10%conc.)and control respec-tively.Growth parameters such as plant height and so on were measured and plant samples harvested were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance.Results revealed that Effluents A and B are highly acidic and above discharge limits.Also,the result revealed that 5%conc.of Effluents A and B had more effects on growth(p<0.05)of A.viridis across the harvests than 10%conc.in relation to control.This result showed that the effluent samples affect the growth rhythms of plants.Results further revealed vigorous–1–1 accumulation of the heavy metals:Zn(241.66µg kg±0.10 at third harvest in Effluent A:10%),Cu(68.25µg kg±0.23 at–1–1 first harvest in Effluent B:5%),Cr(500µg kg±0.90 in harvests at all concentrations.)and Ni(500µg kg±0.90 at third harvest in Effluent B:5%)and all these metals are far above the control and permissible limits of WHO/FAO recommenda-tions.From this study,it could be concluded that electroplating effluents had adverse effects on growth and increased metals’bioaccumulation in A.viridis.Therefore,the treatment of effluents to enhance an eco-friendly environment should be done.

Recovery of heavy metals from electroplating sludge and stainless steel pickle waste liquid by ammonia leaching method

A coordinative disposal process for treatment of electroplating sludge and stainless steel pickle waste liquid containing Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr and Fe etc., has been developed to recover valuable metals and to eliminate pollution. The recovery of Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr is 94%, 91%, 90% and 95%, respectively. The ammonia was recycled by the simplified process of CaO caustic distillation. The precipitated product of Cu, Ni and Zn obtained from caustic distillation of ammonia was separated by extraction or high\|pressure hydrogen reduction in an autoclave. The qualified metal salt products were obtained through extraction. The rich chromium residue from coordinative disposal was subjected to recover Cr by hydrothermal oxidation in NaOH medium and Fe\-3O\-4 was synthesized by wet methods from the residue produced by extracting Cr. Cr was a stable chemical fixed in Fe\-3O\-4 and harmless. The recovery process has been used in a pilot plant with sludge production capacity of 2000 t/a.

Electroless Nickel Plating and Electroplating on FBG Temperature Sensor

Metal-coated fiber Bragg grating（FBG）temperature sensors were prepared via electroless nickel（EN）plating and tin electroplating methods on the surface of normal bare FBG.The surface morphologies of the metal-coated layers were observed under a metallographic microscope.The effects of pretreatment sequence,pH value of EN plating solution and current density of electroplating on the performance of the metal-coated layers were analyzed.Meanwhile, the Bragg wavelength shift induced by temperature was monitored by an optical spectrum analyzer.Sensitivity of the metal-coated FBG（MFBG）sensor was almost two times that of normal bare FBG sensor.The measuring temperature of the MFBG sensor could be up to 280℃,which was much better than that of conventional FBG sensor.

Effects of rare earth on microstructures and properties of Ni-W-P-CeO_2-SiO_2 nano-composite coatings

Ni-W-P-CeO2-SiO2 nano-composite coatings were prepared on common carbon steel surface by pulse electrodeposition of nickel, tungsten, phosphorus, rare earth （nano-CeO2） and silicon carbide （nano-SiO2） particles. The effects of nano-CeO2 concentrations in electrolyte on microstructures and properties of nano-composite coatings were studied. The samples were characterized with chemical compositions, elements distributions, microhardness and microstructures. The results indicated that when nano-CeO2 concentration was controlled at 10 g/L, the nano-composite coatings possessed higher microhardness and compact microstmctures with clear outline of spherical matrix metal crystallites, fine crystallite sizes and uniform distribution of elements W, P, Ce and Si within the Ni-W-P matrix metal. Increasing the nano-CeO2 particles concentrations from 4 to 10 g/L led to refinement in grain structure and improvement of microstructures, while when increased to 14 g/L, the crystallite sizes began to increase again and there were a lot of small boss with nodulation shape appearing on the nano-composite coatings surface.

Synthesis and study of MPNS/SMA nano-composite tanning agent

The radical polymerization of maleic anhydride（MA）,styrene（ST）with the vinyl groups introduced onto the surface of the nano-sized silica via solution polymerization method was developed.The methacryloxypropyl nano-sized silica（MPNS）was used as macromonomer and polymerized with maleic anhydride and styrene by initiating with BPO in toluene.The structure and properties of MPNS/SMA nano-composite were characterized by FT-IR spectra and TEM.Meanwhile,it was applied as tanning agent compared with the traditional styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer in leather.It was found that the applied leather had better quality characteristics with the addition of the nano-sized silica.

Improvement of stability of trivalent chromium electroplating of Ti based IrO_2+Ta_2O_5 coating anodes

The preparation process and properties of the thermally prepared Ti anodes coated with IrO2+Ta2O5 was studied. The structure and morphologies of the IrO2+Ta2O5 coatings were determined by XRD and SEM. Their electrochemical properties were studied by polarization curve and cyclic voltammetry. Trivalent chromium electroplating using Ti/IrO2+Ta2O5 anodes is carried out and the results were analyzed. Results show that this anode exhibits excellent electrochemical activity and stability in sulfate electrolysis. The electrocatalytic activity is determined not only by the content of IrO2 but also the structure and morphology of the anode coatings. The electroplating results indicats that Ti/IrO2+Ta2O5 anodes have excellent capabilities and merits in improving the stability of trivalent chromium electroplating in sulfate system.

Electroplating of Ni/Co–pumice multilayer nanocomposite coatings: Effect of current density on crystal texture transformations and corrosion behavior

The present paper aims to investigate the influence of the current density in the electroplating process on the microstructure, crystal texture transformations, and corrosion behavior of Ni/Co pumice multilayer nanocomposite coatings. The Ni/Co pumice composite coatings were prepared by deposition of Ni, followed by the simultaneous deposition of pumice nanoparticles (NPs) in a Co matrix via an electroplating process at various current densities. Afterward, the morphology, size, topography, and crystal texture of the obtained samples were investigated. Furthermore, electrochemical methods were used to investigate the corrosion behavior of the produced coatings in a solution of 3.5wt% NaCl. The results indicated that increasing the plating current density changed the mechanism of coating growth from the cell state to the column state, in- creased the coating thickness, roughness, and texture coefficient (TC) of the Co (203) plane, and reduced the amount of pumice NPs incorporated into the Ni/Co pumice composite. The electrochemical results also indicated that increasing the current density enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Ni/Co pumice composite.

Stimulation of Rare Earths in Quartz Optical Fiber Surface Metallization by Electroless Plating and Electroplating

This research aims to use several kind of rare earth oxides, such as Nd2O3, Yb2O3, Ce2O3 and La2O3, to improve the electroless plating and electroplating processes for surface metallization of quartz optical fiber (silicon fiber) for its practical uses. The effects of the rare earth oxides on the deposition rate of Ni-P-B, the stability of the plating solution and the surface property of the film were investigated and the comparisons of their behaviours were made. The effects of rare earth oxide of La2O3 on the hardness and surface property of the Ni film prepared by electroplating process were studied. The surface morphonogies, compositions and hardness of the Ni-P-B and Ni films were characterized and analyzed by SEM, MSM, ICP and DIMHM, respectively. The experimental results showed that Ce2O3 with the concentration of 4 mg·L-1 was the best one among the four rare earth oxides with suitable concentrations in increasing the deposition rate, enhancing the stability of the electroless plating solution and improving the surface property of the Ni-P-B film. The improvements of the hardness and surface property of the Ni film prepared by electroplating with adding La2O3 were discovered. No obvious influences of Ce2O3 and La2O3 on the compositions of Ni-P-B and Ce free in the Ni-P-B film were found because of its much more nagative deposition potential than those of the used reducing agents in this experiment. The total diameter of the quartz optical fiber with deposited Ni-P-B film and Ni film was about 1.7 mm, which could be satisfactorily for the practical uses of quartz optical fiber in many fields.

Electroplating process of amorphous Fe-Ni-Cr alloy

A novel process of electroplating amorphous Fe Cr Ni alloy in chloride aqueous solution with Fe(Ⅱ), Ni(Ⅱ) and Cr(Ⅲ) was reported. Couple plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP AES), X ray diffractometry(XRD), scanning electronic microscopy(SEM), microhardness test and rapid heating cooling method were adopted to detect the properties of the amorphous Fe Ni Cr deposit, such as composition, crystalline structure, micrograph, hardness, and adherence between deposit and substrate. The effects of the operating parameters on the electrodeposit of the amorphous Fe Ni Cr alloy were discussed in detail. The results show that a 8.7?μm thick mirror like amorphous Fe Ni Cr alloy deposit, with Vicker’s hardness of 530 and composition of 45%～55% Fe, 33%～37% Ni, 9%～23% Cr was obtained by electroplating for 20?min at room temperature(10～30?℃), cathode current 10～16?A/dm 2, pH=1.0～3.0. The XRD patterns show that there only appears a broad hump around 2 θ of 41?°～47?°for the amorphous Fe Ni Cr alloy deposit, while the SEM micrographs show that the deposit contains only a few fine cracks but no pinholes.

Formations of AZ91/Al_(2)O_(3) nano-composite layer by friction stir processing

Composite layers containing~0.8%vol Al_(2)O_(3) nanoparticles were produced on AZ91 magnesium alloy by friction stir processing(FSP).The treated layers were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopes,as well as microhardness and wear testing units.It was noticed that,by reducing the rotational speed and increasing the travel speed,the grain size of the treated layer reduces and its hardness increases.In addition,the presence of nano Al_(2)O_(3) reduces the grain sizes of the layers further and increases their hardness.Furthermore,FSP of AZ91 with Al_(2)O_(3) particles improved the wear resistance significantly and changed the wear mechanism from oxidation and adhesive mode in the as-received AZ91 to oxidation and abrasive in the FSPed specimens.Finally,the rotational speed of 800 rpm and the travel speed of 40 mm/min were the optimum parameters for achieving a suitable composite layer with the highest hardness and wear resistance among the treated layers.

Thermal spray coating on conductor rolls in electroplating line

In electroplating lines,many conductor rolls are installed in electroplating bath.Typical electroplatings are tin plating(ETL) and zinc plating(EGL),and from required product qualities,a vertical cell for the former and a horizontal cell for the latter is often used.Generally,chrome plating or WC cermet thermal spray coating is applied to stainless steel conductor roll in ETL for prolonging service life by improvement of wear resistance and corrosion resistance.On the other hand,Hastelloy type alloy substrate is used for conductor rolls in EGL due to severe corrosion environment of electro plating solution.Thermal spray coating is effective for reducing wear,but there are many cases where the coating cannot complete expected service life when corrosion becomes an issue.In this study,thermal spray coating for ETL conductor roll and development of the coating for EGL conductor roll to meet expected service life are described.

Synthesis of TiO_2/ZnSn(OH)_6 Hollow Nano-composite via a Simultaneous Crystallization-etching Route as Photocatalyst

We report the synthesis of TiO2/ZnSn（OH）6 as a novel nano-composite material via a simultaneous crystallization-etching route with cubic nano-ZnSn（OH）6 and TiF4 as the precursors. The structure, composition and morphology of the composite were characterized by XRD, EDS, FETEM and FESEM, which showed the prepared TiO2/ZnSn（OH）6 had a unique morphology of hollow cubic nano-ZnSn（OH）6 attached with rutile TiO2 nanoparticles. The results of photocatalytic activity measurement indicated the photocatalytic activity of the prepared composite was better than that of nano-ZnSn（OH）6. This study may be helpful for the design and fabrication of functional comoosite materials.

Microalgae as Bioabsorbents for Treating Mixture of Electroplating and Sewage Effluent

The effectiveness of copper and nickel uptake by microalgae grown in the mixture of electroplating effluent and sewage was studied. The results showed that a high percentage of copper removal (68.1%-88.2%) was achieved by Chlorellapyrenoidosa (strain No. 26) reared in the mixture of 90% electroplating effluent and 10% raw sewage during the first 3 days despite the fact that cell growth was inhibited. Similar results were also obtained by using Chlorella HKBC-C3, another species collected from one of the heavy metal polluted sites in Hong Kong, isolated and cultured in the Biology Department. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the removal of copper and nickel from the effluent between these 2 algal species. However, it was noted that removal of nickel from the mixture by the two species were comparatively lower (<20%) than the removal of copper (>68%).

Corrosion behavior of AZ31-WC nano-composites

In this study,the effects of WC nano-particles amount and surface roughness on corrosion behavior of magnesium metal matrix nanocomposites in 3.5%NaCl solution are examined with the help of electrochemical test.Varying wt%of WC nano-particles(0.5,1,1.5 and 2)are used to fabricate metal matrix nano-composites through ultrasonic vibration assisted stir casting method.Basic characterizations of fabricated composites are performed by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy dispersive x-ray analysis(EDAX).SEM images show that nano-particles are well distributed throughout the magnesium matrix while EDAX results confirm the presence of WC particles in nano-composites.Micro-hardness result shows increasing trend with increasing weight percentage of WC.Mg nano-composite containing 0.5 wt%WC nano-particles is found to be the most corrosion resistive one followed by base alloy,Mg-2 wt%WC,Mg-1.5 wt%WC and Mg-1 wt%WC.Additionally,corrosion behavior of Mg-2WC with different surface quality is examined and it is observed that sample with lowest surface roughness shows better corrosion resistance.In the end,corrosion mechanisms are assessed with the help of SEM and EDAX study of corroded surfaces.

TiB2 coating formed on nickel substrates by electroplating in molten salt of fluoride

The TiB2 coatings deposited over nickel substrate by electroplating was investigated, which is in molten salt of a fluoride mixture involving KF, NaF, K2 TiF6 and KBF4. Effects of temperature, cathodic current density (Jc) and duration on the coating's formation were examined. The composition, morphology and structure of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the coatings, with black, smooth and uniform appearance, are composed of predominating TiB2 and small amounts of nickel titanium oxide (Ni0.75 Ti0.125 O). The coatings show a nodular morphology and the grain size is dependent on the Jc and ranges about 1 - 10 μm. There is a linear relationship between the coating's thickness and the time of electrolysis within certain duration range. The reduction of the potassium can take place simultaneously with the electrochemical synthesis of TiB2 as the Jc is in excess of certain level. The hardness of the TiB2 coatings is likely to be deteriorated due to the presence of potassium and Ni0.75Ti0.125 O in the coatings.

Dynamic stretching–electroplating metal-coated textile for a flexible and stretchable zinc–air battery

A metal electrode is a significant component of a zinc–air battery(ZAB),but the metal material is usually not elastic,which severely restricts the application of flexible and stretchable ZABs in the field of wearable electronic devices.Herein,we report a flexible and stretchable metal-coated textile prepared by a dynamic stretching–electroplating based on a wavy spandex textile substrate.Benefiting from the unique woven and wavy structure,the metal-coated textile shows a high stretchability of 100%and stable conductivity.In situ scanning electron microscope observation during stretching showed that the tensile strain of the metal-coated textile is mainly attributed to the deformation of the microfiber network at the bottom position of the wave structure.In addition,a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–polyacrylic acid–potassium hydroxide composite hydrogel has been used as the electrolyte.This hydrogel shows excellent ionic conductivity,mechanical properties,and water retention properties,which makes it suitable for the semi-open system of ZAB.Furthermore,a flexible and stretchable sandwich-structure ZAB,assembled using the above-mentioned electrodes and electrolyte,operates stably even under rapid stretching/releasing cycle deformation.Because of its facile preparation and low cost,this flexible and stretchable ZAB is suitable for fabrication of large-area batteries to obtain higher output current and power to drive wearable electronic devices.

Recent Advances of Electroplating Additives Enabling Lithium Metal Anodes to Applicable Battery Techniques

Lithium(Li)metal batteries have long been deemed as the representative high-energy-density energy storage systems due to the ultrahigh theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential of Li metal anode.Unfortunately,the intractable dendritic Li deposition during cycling greatly restrains the large-scale applications of Li metal anodes.Recent advances have been explored to address this issue,among which a specific class of electrolyte additives for electroplating is deeply impressive,as they are economic and pragmatic.Different from the conventional additives that construct solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer on anodes,they make dendrite-free Li metal anodes feasible through altering Li plating behavior.In this research news article,the interlinked principles between industrial electroplating and Li deposition are firstly illustrated.The featured effects of electroplating additives on regulating Li plating morphology are also summarized and mainly divided into three categories:co-deposition with Li cation,coordination with Li cation,and leveling effect of Li films.Furthermore,the mechanism exploration or derivative use of electroplating additive for dendrite suppression and potential research directions are proposed,with emphasizing that industrial electroplating might enable Li metal anode to scalable battery techniques and spread to metal battery systems beyond Li.

Removal of copper ions from electroplating rinse water using electrodeionization

膜栈的一种改进配置在电极电离(EDI ) 被采用在跑期间阻止二原子价的金属氢氧化物的降水的房间。从 dilute 答案影响了铜离子的移动的运作的参数被优化。结果证明在入口 pH 价值的中等减少和应用电压的中等增加能完成更好的移动效果。电镀废水处理的稳定的过程能与超过 99.5% 的移动效率和 5 &#8764;14 的一个丰富因素被完成。净化的水里的铜的集中是不到 0.23 mg/L。这表明了恢复重金属离子的适用性并且为工业复用从电镀自河净化了水。