Metallographic Examination of the Corrosion Mechanism of Plated Plastic

Since 1963, the Ford Motor Co. has conducted various corrosion tests on plated plastic. Using a molded ABS 1965 Continental emblem, plated first with a single, bright and Dur-Ni nickel system, and then with a dual system (semi-bright, bright, and Dur-Ni nickel), Ford was able to determine the extent of corrosion. It was found that corrosion penetration through the nickel deposit, with either the single or dual systems, was significantly reduced with Dur-Ni nickel.