Degreasing

Degreasing is a crucial pretreatment process in electroplating, designed to remove various contaminants from metal surfaces before the application of coatings. These contaminants, such as oils, greases, lubricants, and marking inks, can interfere with the adhesion of the electroplated coating, leading to defects and reduced performance.

The Degreasing Process

Degreasers work by dissolving and emulsifying these contaminants, creating a clean surface that is ideal for the subsequent plating steps. This process typically involves:

1. Immersion: The metal components are submerged in a degreasing solution.

2. Chemical Action: The degreaser's chemical properties interact with the contaminants, breaking them down into soluble or emulsified forms.

3. Removal: The contaminants are removed from the surface through mechanical agitation or rinsing.

Types of Degreasers

There are several types of degreasers used in electroplating, each with its own advantages and applications:

• Solvent-Based Degreasers: These degreasers use organic solvents like trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, or hydrocarbons to dissolve contaminants. While effective, they can be harmful to the environment and require proper handling and disposal.

• Alkaline Degreasers: These degreasers are water-based solutions containing surfactants and alkaline agents. They are generally less toxic than solvent-based degreasers and can be used to remove a wide range of contaminants.

• Emulsion Degreasers: These degreasers combine both solvent and alkaline components, offering a balance of cleaning power and environmental friendliness