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Unleashing the Latent Power of Grain Size Reduction

Nanotechnology has attracted researchers from all over the world due to its immense potential. The matter is controlled at the atomic level modifying its properties to attain advance characteristics.

In the recent years, electrodeposition has become a prominent part of nanotechnology. It is used to process a variety of materials, including metals and composites.Electrodeposition is primarily used due to the following reasons:

✓Rapid Process

✓Low Cost

✓Higher deposition rates

✓Produce coatings on wide range of substrates

✓Produces structural features in the size of micro to nano meters

✓No post deposition treatments

✓Produce low cost multilayers

✓Easy to control alloy composition

Electroplating process explained

How are Nano Materials formed?

Nano materials are obtained using the process of electrodeposition. The setup consists of an electrochemical cell which includes anode, cathode, electrolytes (bath), and a rectifier which used to apply controlled current. The current applied is based on bath resistance which is converted to voltage.

electroplating pocess using pulse rectifier

Using Cathode as a template ample variety of nano materials can be formed. Here are just to name a few:

✰ Nano wires

✰ Nano films

✰ Bulk Nano crystalline metals

✰ Multilayered coating and much more…

 

Nano materials offer great resistance to corrosion and have high catalytic performance. They have enhanced magnetic properties, thus providing a better finish to the materials. Nanotechnology opens up the door for a variety of industrial applications from aerospace to clothing. Check out an interesting video on nanotechnology!

The Hidden Power of Grain Size Reduction

We have already started to witness the power of nanotechnology. Ever wondered how is your phone water resistant? Or how could a Ferrari reach 340km/h?  Thanks to the power of nanotechnology! Let us have a sneak peak on how the nano crystalline structures are formed.

The secret sauce of this immense power of nano materials lies in the process of grain size reduction. The material reaches its meta stable state wherein the proportion of atoms at the grain boundaries is equivalent or higher than the proportion of atoms inside the grains. This can be achieved by using electrodeposition process. The materials which we get after this process have advanced properties and are commonly called as nano crystalline materials.

nano materials using grain size reduction

Due to the process of grain size reduction, dislocations are reduced and hence they attain superior properties compared to polycrystalline or microcrystalline materials. Nano materials have:

✓ Increased Strength

✓Enhanced Diffusivity

✓ Improved Ductility

✓ Reduced Density

✓ Reduced Elastic Modulus

✓ Higher Electrical Resistivity

✓ Corrosion and Wear Resistance

✓ Lower Thermal Conductivity

✓ Enhanced Magnetic Properties

Electrodeposition plays a very important role in nanotechnology. The field of nano materials is fascinating and has attracted a lot of researchers. There has been an impeccable advancement in this field, yet there is a lot to be explored.

To be Continued…

Green Replacement for Chrome and Cadmium Plating

Green Alternative for Cadmium and Chrome Plating

 

Chrome and cadmium plating has been used for many years for a variety of plating applications including the automotive industry, aerospace applications, defence and so on. It is primarily used for corrosion protection and aesthetic purpose.

The process involved in plating of chrome and cadmium uses hazardous chemicals that have adverse health effects as well as environmental effects. The common health hazards include:

  1. Skin Damage
  2. Respiratory Diseases
  3. Carcinogenic Effects
  4. Renal Effects
  5. Hepatic Effects
  6. Cardiovascular Diseases
  7. Genetic Effects
  8. Environmental Effects

The plating process includes an electronic setup of anode, cathode and bath. This acid bath is very essential for plating process and uses toxic electrolytes. Few countries including USA and UK have banned the use of chrome and cadmium for the majority of applications.

Greenotronix using pulse plating technology
Green Plating Technology

Green Plating has been an emerging technology in the field of electroplating. The rectifier used in the plating process uses pulse direct current with tuneable parameters like duty cycle, current density, on time and off time.

The direct pulse current reduces the dislocation due to the process of grain size reduction. This helps in achieving nano crystalline structure and ensures uniform plating. Pulse plating technology uses less additives, levellers, brightening and wetting agents and thereby reducing toxic materials in the bath.

This is soon going to replace the conventional methods of plating as pulse plating technology is green and provides higher precision plating with uniform surface and better corrosion resistance. Let us do our bit for saving our mother earth and reduce/eliminate the hazardous effect of plating on our environment.