The Removal of Electrodeposits of Nickel From Steel
The Removal of Electrodeposits of Nickel From Steel
The Removal of Electrodeposits of Nickel From Steel
G. E. Gardam
To cite this article: G. E. Gardam (1938) The Removal of Electrodeposits of Nickel from Steel,
Transactions of the IMF, 14:1, 13-16, DOI: 10.1080/00202967.1938.11869346
SYNOPSIS.
Nickel coatings can be completely removed from steel articles
without appreciable attack on the steel by anodic treatment in
50 per cent. (by volume) sulphuric acid solution with an applied
potential not exceeding 2·0 volt.
The method is suitable for the removal of thick nickel coatings
as an alternative to machining, which is expensive ;!nd removes
some steel. It can also be used to determine the avera;,::! thickness
of nickel or of composite nickel-copper coatings on : ~·I by loss
in weight.
INTRODUCTION.
In the repair of worn or undersized steel parts by the electro-
deposition of nickel it is sometimes necessary to remove an existing
deposit, which partially or completely covers the surface, prior to
further deposition. Such deposits can be removed by machining,
but this method is tedious and expensive, particularly if the shape
of the article is complex; complete removal of all the nickel can
also only be assured by removal of some steel. An electrochemical
method has been developed and is described below. When suitably
controlled, this process has a negligible action on steel and can,
therefore, be also applied to remove thin coatings for determination
of their thickness by loss in \Veight.
DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE METHOD.
The method consists essentially in subjecting the nickel coated
article to anodic action at air temperature in a mixture (S.G. 1·545)
of equal volumes of concentrated sulphuric acid and water, the
potential difference between the anode and cathode being controlled
so that it does not exceed 2·0 volts.
The solution may be conveniently contained in a lead-lined tank,
the lining being used as cathode; alternatively separate cathodes of
lead or nickel may be used.
Control of the applied voltage may be attained by connection to
a generator whose open circuit voltage is 2·0 volts or to a single
lead accumulator cell. Where the available supply is at a higher
voltage, the applied potential can be adjusted by manual control
of a series resistance. Since the current falls and finally ceases
when the nickel is completely removed, satisfactory control is more
easily achieved if a further resistance is connected in parallel with
the stripping bath. Alternatively a resistance carrying a sufficiently
*Communication from the Research Department, Woolwich.
MS. received 8th September, 1937.
14 THE REMOVAL OF ELECTRODEPOSITS OF NICKF.L FROM STEEL.
Loss in
Type of Alloy. weight Carbon Principal other metals.
g./sq. in. % %