A New Zinc-Nickel Electroplating Process: Alternative to Cadmium Plating

New environmental regulations all over the world encourage the use of alternatives to cadmium plating for corrosion-protection systems used on steels. Boeing patents are pending on a non-cyanide replacement zinc-nickel alloy electroplating process with superior properties, including low hydrogen embrittlement and good corrosion protection, for use on high-strength steels and other substrates. Another advantage of this process is low cost because conventional electroplating tank facilities can be used and waste treatment cost can be reduced. The feasibility of this zinc-nickel plating process has been successfully demonstrated in the laboratory and is scheduled for manufacturing scale-up during 1983.