Nickel, Bath
A bath for the electro-deposition of nickel. A great many
formulae have been given. Metallic nickel is dissolved in 1 vol.
sulphuric acid mixed with 2 vols. water. Neutralize with ammonia, and
add of ammonium sulphate one-half the weight of metallic nickel
originally used; 135 parts of nickel will be enough for a bath of 10,000
parts.
Other formulae are as follows:
Double nickel-ammonium sulphate, 4 parts.
Ammonium carbonate, 3 “
Water 100 “
Nickel sulphate, nitrate or chloride, 1 “
Sodium bisulphate, 1 “
Water, 20 “
Nickel anodes are used in the bath to maintain the strength. Too much
care cannot be exercised in the absolute cleanliness of the articles to
be plated. A too alkaline bath gives a disagreeable yellow color to the
deposit; too acid a bath gives badly adhering deposits.
