Electroplating Gamma Rhodium Electrolytes

Electroplating is a process used to coat metals with a thin layer of metal by passing an electric current through a liquid electrolyte solution. This layer of metal helps to protect the metal from corrosion, fading and wear. One of the most popular metals used for electroplating is gamma rhodium, which is prized for its durability and high resistance to corrosion and abrasion.

What is Gamma Rhodium?

Gamma rhodium is a specialized type of rhodium that is chemically inert and one of the hardest metals available. It is considered the ‘king of metals’ due to its strength and durability, as well as its excellent resistance to wear, scratches, abrasion and corrosion. It is also highly resistant to heat and chemical damage and offers superior electrical and thermal insulation due to its low electrical resistivity.

Advantages of Using Gamma Rhodium for Electroplating

Using gamma rhodium for electroplating comes with many advantages. The major benefits lie in its durability and excellent protection from a range of environmental factors, including moisture, chemicals and temperature. Gamma rhodium is also non-toxic, hypoallergenic and extremely bright, making it an attractive choice for those looking to add a decorative finish to metals or improve their safety properties.

Applications for Gamma Rhodium Electroplating

Due to its superior performance and hardness, gamma rhodium plating can be used in a variety of applications. It is most commonly used to add a decorative finish to jewelry, watches, and automotive parts such as bumpers and exhausts. It is also used to increase the corrosion and abrasion resistance of certain tools and components used in manufacturing, aerospace and medical industries.

How Does Gamma Rhodium Electroplating Work?

To electroplate with gamma rhodium, a deposit is built up on the surface of the metal being coated, known as the cathode, by applying an electrical current to an electrolyte solution containing gamma rhodium metal ions. These ions are attracted to the cathode, and begin to form a metal layer over the surface of the metal.

The process starts by pre-treating the substrate, either by cleaning, etching or roughening the surface, before the gamma rhodium electrolyte is added to the electroplating tank. The metal object is connected to the anode, while the gamma rhodium electrode is connected to the cathode. An electric current then passes through the electrolyte solution, and ions of the rhodium metal attach to the cathode, forming a thin metal coating over the surface of the metal.

Benefits of Umicore Rhoduna Alloy

Umicore´s Rhoduna alloy is a unique gamma rhodium alloy developed at Umicore´s Technical Centre for Applied Electroplating. It has been designed to offer enhanced resistance to abrasion and corrosion, whilst at the same time providing a beautiful, bright white finish. Rhoduna is one of the few alloys on the market which delivers abrasion resistant properties like no other, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of industries.

Conclusion

Gamma rhodium electroplating is an efficient process used to coat metals with a durable and attractive metal coating. It offers superior protection from abrasion, corrosion and other environmental factors and can be applied to a range of metals and surfaces for functional and decorative purposes. Umicore´s unique Rhoduna alloy offers an even higher level of abrasion resistance, making it a great choice for high-performance projects.