Rapid analysis of chromium plating solutions using X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrometry

Summary

This paper describes work, on the rapid analysis of chromium plating solutions, carried out in the author's laboratory at AE Developments Ltd (the R&D Centre of the AE Group of Companies,) which specialises in the production of automotive components (pistons, rings, liners and bearings). Several of the Group companies have large chromium plating plants used for the coating of piston rings with a layer of hard wear resistant chromium plate. Although much is known about the chromium plating process, it was realised that very little was known about the impurities present and the buildup of their concentrations in solution.

A Philips X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrometer is in regular use at the R&D Centre, and it was considered that this would be ideal for the determination of impurity levels in chromium plating solutions. Transportation of the solutions from the Group companies to the Research Centre presented a problem which was solved by dipping filter paper into the solution, followed by drying and despatch to the Research Centre by letter post.

The development of the analytical technique using X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrometry is described. Impurities present in the solution have been identified and the rate of build up monitored.