Optimal chroming conditions of two soft magnetic alloys as determined by one-factor experimental method / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Chroming can improve the corrosion resistance of soft magnetic aloys. OBJECTIVE:To identify the optimal chroming conditions of two soft magnetic aloys, Fe-Cr-Mo and Fe-Ni, so as to improve their corrosion resistance. METHODS:Twelve pieces of square-shaped Fe-Cr-Mo and Fe-Ni soft magnetic aloys were casted in the size of 20 mm×20 mm×2 mm. After sanding and polishing, chrome plating was performed on these specimens and the coating thickness and hardness were measured. The selection factors included electroplate type (hexavalent chromium and trivalent chromium), current density (15, 20, 25, 35, 40, 45 A/dm2) and electroplating time (30, 40, 60 minutes). The optimal chroming conditions were determined by one-factor experimental method and the chrome plating was observed under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cr6+ coating was significantly better than Cr3+ coating in the aspects of hardness, thickness and uniformity, indicating Cr6+ coating can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of Fe-Cr-Mo and Fe-Ni aloys. For Fe-Cr-Mo soft magnetic aloy, the optimal conditions of Cr6+ coating were as folows: current density of 45 A/dm2 and electroplating time of 60 minutes; the optimal conditions of Cr3+ coating were as folows: current density of 20 A/dm2 and electroplating time of 30 minutes. For Fe-Ni soft magnetic aloys, the optimal conditions of Cr6+ coating were as folows: current density of 35 A/dm2 and electroplating time of 60 minutes; the optimal conditions of Cr3+ coating were as folows: current density of 20 A/dm2 and electroplating time of 40 minutes.