Copper plating a non metallic material

In summary, according to Faraday's Law of Electrolysis the charge in coulombs needed to deposit m grams of material with a valence number n and atomic mass M is 96520 coulombs.
  • #1
wolram
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I want to copper plate a non metallic material I will be using genuine silver paint to coat the material, my problem is how to estimate the time it takes to deposit a layer 25 thou thick.
I have a variable voltage, amperage power supply, i guess it has some thing to do with varying the amperage
if i set the voltage at 12 volts.
The tank i have is 2ft by 1ft by1ft
Any ideas please.
 
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  • #2
What area? You're going to be plating out some volume of metal; current times time for copper is what?
 
  • #3
According to Faraday's Law of Electrolysis the charge in coulombs needed to deposit m grams of material with a valence number n and atomic mass M is

Q = 96520⋅ n⋅m/M (coulombs)

To obtain a certain thickness you need the area of the plated surface to get the mass plated. By monitoring the current flow you should be able to obtain the time it takes.
 
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  • #4
I haven't worked with electroplating before; how do you start the plating of a non-conducting object? It seems more straightforward after you have the initial conducting layer plated on so you can make electrical contact, but I'm not understanding how the first layer adheres to the non-conducting object. Thanks. :smile:
 
  • #5
berkeman said:
I haven't worked with electroplating before; how do you start the plating of a non-conducting object? It seems more straightforward after you have the initial conducting layer plated on so you can make electrical contact, but I'm not understanding how the first layer adheres to the non-conducting object. Thanks. :smile:

In extrusion coating, i.e. polymer coated paper, the substrate is ionized by corona treatment. This gives the coating a charged surface for the polymer in which to adhere. I imagine a similar process is used for metallized coating on plastic. Mylar is commonly metallized.
 
  • #7
Electroplating is accomplished by placing the cathode behind the non conductive surface. Electroplate time depends on the spacing between the cathode and deposition surface and current density.
 

1. How does copper plating work on non-metallic materials?

Copper plating is a process where a thin layer of copper is deposited onto a non-metallic material using an electrochemical reaction. The material is first coated with a conductive layer, such as graphite or silver, and then submerged in an electrolytic solution containing copper ions. When an electric current is applied, the copper ions are attracted to the material and form a layer on its surface.

2. What are the benefits of copper plating a non-metallic material?

Copper plating can provide several benefits to non-metallic materials, including increased electrical conductivity, improved corrosion resistance, and enhanced aesthetic appearance. It can also make the material more durable and increase its lifespan.

3. What are the common applications of copper plating on non-metallic materials?

Copper plating on non-metallic materials is commonly used in industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace. It is often applied to insulating materials, such as plastic or ceramic, to make them conductive and suitable for use in electronic devices. It can also be used for decorative purposes on items like jewelry and household items.

4. Is it possible to remove copper plating from a non-metallic material?

Yes, copper plating can be removed from non-metallic materials through mechanical or chemical processes. Mechanical methods involve sanding or polishing the surface to remove the copper layer. Chemical methods use solutions that dissolve the copper without damaging the underlying material. However, the success of these methods depends on the thickness and adhesion of the copper plating.

5. Are there any safety precautions to consider when copper plating a non-metallic material?

Yes, safety precautions should be taken when copper plating a non-metallic material. The electrolytic solution used in the plating process can be hazardous, so protective gear such as gloves and goggles should be worn. The process should also be performed in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, proper disposal methods should be followed for any waste products generated during the plating process.

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