EP1983077B1 - Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys - Google Patents
Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1983077B1 EP1983077B1 EP07007963.7A EP07007963A EP1983077B1 EP 1983077 B1 EP1983077 B1 EP 1983077B1 EP 07007963 A EP07007963 A EP 07007963A EP 1983077 B1 EP1983077 B1 EP 1983077B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- acid
- electrolyte
- gold
- nitrilo
- copper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 title claims description 49
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims description 16
- QRJOYPHTNNOAOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper gold Chemical group [Cu].[Au] QRJOYPHTNNOAOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 12
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 title claims description 11
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- KCXVZYZYPLLWCC-UHFFFAOYSA-N EDTA Chemical compound OC(=O)CN(CC(O)=O)CCN(CC(O)=O)CC(O)=O KCXVZYZYPLLWCC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910001020 Au alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- JYXGIOKAKDAARW-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid Chemical compound OCCN(CC(O)=O)CC(O)=O JYXGIOKAKDAARW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- NBZBKCUXIYYUSX-UHFFFAOYSA-N iminodiacetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CNCC(O)=O NBZBKCUXIYYUSX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- GSEJCLTVZPLZKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Triethanolamine Chemical compound OCCN(CCO)CCO GSEJCLTVZPLZKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000008139 complexing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- MGFYIUFZLHCRTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrilotriacetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CN(CC(O)=O)CC(O)=O MGFYIUFZLHCRTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- QPCDCPDFJACHGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-bis{2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl}glycine Chemical compound OC(=O)CN(CC(O)=O)CCN(CC(=O)O)CCN(CC(O)=O)CC(O)=O QPCDCPDFJACHGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 229960003330 pentetic acid Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- 229960004418 trolamine Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003353 gold alloy Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- YDONNITUKPKTIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Nitrilotris(methylene)]trisphosphonic acid Chemical compound OP(O)(=O)CN(CP(O)(O)=O)CP(O)(O)=O YDONNITUKPKTIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- WDJHALXBUFZDSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetoacetic acid Chemical compound CC(=O)CC(O)=O WDJHALXBUFZDSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052787 antimony Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000002648 azanetriyl group Chemical group *N(*)* 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- VIOUJVCSJVGAIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethoxyphosphoryl cyanate Chemical compound COP(=O)(OC)OC#N VIOUJVCSJVGAIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- NNFCIKHAZHQZJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium cyanide Chemical compound [K+].N#[C-] NNFCIKHAZHQZJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 11
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000005323 electroforming Methods 0.000 description 5
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel Substances [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Substances [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- GRYLNZFGIOXLOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitric acid Chemical compound O[N+]([O-])=O GRYLNZFGIOXLOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 cyanide compound Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- ZPWVASYFFYYZEW-UHFFFAOYSA-L dipotassium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].OP([O-])([O-])=O ZPWVASYFFYYZEW-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910017604 nitric acid Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000027 potassium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- LJCNRYVRMXRIQR-OLXYHTOASA-L potassium sodium L-tartrate Chemical compound [Na+].[K+].[O-]C(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)C([O-])=O LJCNRYVRMXRIQR-OLXYHTOASA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229940074439 potassium sodium tartrate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000011006 sodium potassium tartrate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000080 wetting agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- HUHGPYXAVBJSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[3,5-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-triazinan-1-yl]ethanol Chemical compound OCCN1CN(CCO)CN(CCO)C1 HUHGPYXAVBJSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RVBUGGBMJDPOST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-thiobarbituric acid Chemical compound O=C1CC(=O)NC(=S)N1 RVBUGGBMJDPOST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 239000005749 Copper compound Substances 0.000 description 1
- PDQAZBWRQCGBEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylenethiourea Chemical compound S=C1NCCN1 PDQAZBWRQCGBEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical group [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfurous acid Chemical compound OS(O)=O LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Thiocyanate anion Chemical compound [S-]C#N ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005275 alloying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002280 amphoteric surfactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N antimony atom Chemical compound [Sb] WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KVBCYCWRDBDGBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N azane;dihydrofluoride Chemical compound [NH4+].F.[F-] KVBCYCWRDBDGBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052797 bismuth Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical class [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005282 brightening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000002091 cationic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003093 cationic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002738 chelating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000536 complexating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004320 controlled atmosphere Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001880 copper compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- IEDRGHHDYMVJLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper potassium tricyanide Chemical compound [K+].[Cu++].[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[C-]#N IEDRGHHDYMVJLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DOBRDRYODQBAMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(i) cyanide Chemical compound [Cu+].N#[C-] DOBRDRYODQBAMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002344 gold compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- IZLAVFWQHMDDGK-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold(1+);cyanide Chemical compound [Au+].N#[C-] IZLAVFWQHMDDGK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydrogen thiocyanate Natural products SC#N ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006386 neutralization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002825 nitriles Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000024121 nodulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002736 nonionic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- KZVLNAGYSAKYMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyridine-2-sulfonic acid Chemical compound OS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=CC=N1 KZVLNAGYSAKYMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940065287 selenium compound Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 150000003343 selenium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000003748 selenium group Chemical group *[Se]* 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010944 silver (metal) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000003464 sulfur compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052714 tellurium Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- PORWMNRCUJJQNO-UHFFFAOYSA-N tellurium atom Chemical class [Te] PORWMNRCUJJQNO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NJRXVEJTAYWCQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N thiomalic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(S)C(O)=O NJRXVEJTAYWCQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007306 turnover Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/56—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of alloys
- C25D3/58—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of alloys containing more than 50% by weight of copper
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D3/00—Electroplating: Baths therefor
- C25D3/02—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions
- C25D3/56—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of alloys
- C25D3/62—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of alloys containing more than 50% by weight of gold
Definitions
- This invention relates to an electrolyte as well as a method for the electrolytic deposition of a gold-copper alloy on a substrate surface.
- alloy layers which can be varied in respect of their physical properties like brightness, hardness, wear resistance or colour. These properties are influenced by the composites of the alloys, e. g. the metals co-plated, as well as by the composition of the bath used for the deposition of the alloy, e. g. the electrolyte. Further, also the method and the plating parameters like temperature and current density are influencing the plating result in important ways.
- U.S. patent 5,006,208 discloses a galvanic gold alloying bath which contains beneath gold and copper in form of cyanide compounds a selenium compound.
- the deposit achieved from this galvanic bath is soft, light yellow and matt.
- the gold-alloy containing is constituted by 14 - 18 carat.
- European patent EP 0 384 679 B1 discloses a bath for the electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloy as well as a method for electroplating articles using such a bath.
- An electrolyte is disclosed which contains gold in form of a cyanide compound, copper in the form of a cyanide compound as well as tellurium or bismuth in the form of watersoluble compounds.
- European patent application EP 0 566 054 A1 discloses a solution for electroplating gold-copper alloys.
- an electrolyte comprising a soluble gold compound present as a gold cyanide complex, a soluble copper compound present as a copper cyanide complex as well as a soluble divalent sulfur compound in an amount sufficient to brighten the alloys.
- the brightening additive may be a thiocyanate, thiomalic acid, imidazolidinethione, a sulfite or thiobarbituric acid.
- Further patent documents disclosing the deposition of gold-copper alloys are for instance EP 0 193 848 A1 , GB 1 375 611 A and GB 2 053 276 A .
- an electrolyte for the electrolytic deposition of a gold-copper alloy on a substrate surface wherein the electrolyte comprises beneath a source of gold and copper potassium cyanide (KCN) in a concentration capable to maintain a copper to KCN ratio in the range of 3 to 7, and at least one complexing agent of the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA], diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and nitrilo-triacetic acid [NTA] hydroxyethyl imino diacetic acid [HEIDA], nitrilo propionic diacetic acid [NPDA], imino diacetic acid [IDA], nitrilo trimethylphosphoric acid [NTMA, Dequest 2000], triethanol amine [FEA].
- EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid
- NDA nitrilo-triacetic acid
- HEIDA hydroxyethyl imino diacetic acid
- NPDA nitri
- the electrolyte according to the invention can comprise gold in a concentration between 2 to 20 g/l and copper in a concentration between 10 to 50 g/l.
- the at least one complexing agent of the group mentioned above is comprised in the inventive electrolyte in a concentration between 0,05 to 0,6 mol/l. It is believed that the strong chelating agents beneath functioning as complexing agent will contribute to the conductivity of the electrolyte.
- the inventive electrolyte may further comprise one of at least one metal of the group consisting of Sb, Se, Ag,Pt, Ni and Zn.
- Zinc and nickel can function as grain refiner as well as stabilizerto the free KCN.
- Gold is believed to function as efficiency booster to yield in higher plating velocity and carat.
- the metals mentioned above can be comprised in the inventive electrolyte in an amount between 0,1 mg/l and 10 g/l. It is within the scope of the invention that the electrolyte can comprise further additive metals to influence the physical properties of the deposit.
- the inventive electrolyte can further comprise a surface active agent or wetting agent which will function as brightener.
- a capable surface active agent which can be comprised in the electrolyte is for example sodium-lauryl-etherphosphate.
- commercially available products known by name of nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants can be employed single or in combinations.
- the amount of the surface active agent in the inventive electrolyte may vary in a range of 0,1 ti 5 ml/l.
- the electrolyte can comprise secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents.
- secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents are pyridin sulfonic acid and ammonium hydrogene difluoride.
- the amount of these secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents may vary in a range between 0,1 g/l to 10 g/l.
- the pH-value of the inventive electrolyte may vary in a range of pH 8 to pH 13, with a preferred pH-value of about 11.
- the inventive electrolyte may comprise alkaline hydroxide or alkaline earth hydroxide.
- the current density conducted between the substrate and the anode may vary in a range of 0,2 to 2 A/dm 2 .
- the temperature of the electrolyte is in the range of 70° C to 90° C.
- the inventive electrolyte together with the inventive method permits to produce a large range of carat suitable for plating and electroforming producing accurate value of carat between 18 and 14.
- the value of carat can be controlled by measurement of efficiency in Mg/A.nm. According to the relationship of temperature and current density disclosed above, the right efficiency for an adequate value of carat is obtained by tuning the current density and temperature respectively.
- a further advantage of the deposit yield by the inventive electrolyte and the inventive method is the possibility to heat-treat the deposited alloys in order to get an optimum ductility for a gold alloy. This is advantageously for both decorative and functional applications.
- heat-treating the alloys deposited a relatively high hardness is achieved. Relatively high in these terms means higher than that of the metallurgical alloy.
- the hardness rises from 280 HV to 380 HV while the aspect of surface isn't changed by oxidation.
- a further advantage of the deposits obtained from the inventive electrolyte is the good solder ability of the alloys. This characteristic is especially important in electroforming when it is necessary to close holes done to empty the mandrels and for further artistic work.
- the electrolyte Due to the strong complexing power of the complexing agent used according to this invention, the electrolyte is relatively none-sensitive to possible contaminations from various metals like Sn, Zn, Ag, Ni or Cr coming from different sources like drag ins from pre-treatment, mandrels composition or replenishment products. Generally, such types of contamination create an instability of the relation between current density and efficiency which may cause problems during electroforming processes. So, the non-sensity of the electrolyte to this contaminations is a further advance of this invention.
- gold-copper alloy deposits on substrate surfaces are obtainable showing a thickness of > 20 microns and a carat in the range of 12 to 19 carat.
- gold-copper alloy deposits on substrate surfaces are obtainable showing a thickness of > 20 microns and a carat in the range of 12 to 19 carat.
- electroforming at a thickness of 200 microns and more is possible.
- inventive electrolyte is also of high economic interest since it shows a minimum turn-over of 0,25 kg/l.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electroplating And Plating Baths Therefor (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to an electrolyte as well as a method for the electrolytic deposition of a gold-copper alloy on a substrate surface.
- It is a well-known technique in the art to plate the surfaces of articles with alloys of gold for decorative or functional purposes. Especially for application in jewellery or in the field of electro-technical devices, there is a need for alloy layers which can be varied in respect of their physical properties like brightness, hardness, wear resistance or colour. These properties are influenced by the composites of the alloys, e. g. the metals co-plated, as well as by the composition of the bath used for the deposition of the alloy, e. g. the electrolyte. Further, also the method and the plating parameters like temperature and current density are influencing the plating result in important ways.
- In the state of the art, there has been a number of proposals to deposit alloy layers of gold-copper alloys.
- For example,
U.S. patent 5,006,208 discloses a galvanic gold alloying bath which contains beneath gold and copper in form of cyanide compounds a selenium compound. The deposit achieved from this galvanic bath is soft, light yellow and matt. The gold-alloy containing is constituted by 14 - 18 carat. - European patent
EP 0 384 679 B1 discloses a bath for the electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloy as well as a method for electroplating articles using such a bath. An electrolyte is disclosed which contains gold in form of a cyanide compound, copper in the form of a cyanide compound as well as tellurium or bismuth in the form of watersoluble compounds. - Also, European patent application
EP 0 566 054 A1 discloses a solution for electroplating gold-copper alloys. Here, an electrolyte is disclosed comprising a soluble gold compound present as a gold cyanide complex, a soluble copper compound present as a copper cyanide complex as well as a soluble divalent sulfur compound in an amount sufficient to brighten the alloys. The brightening additive may be a thiocyanate, thiomalic acid, imidazolidinethione, a sulfite or thiobarbituric acid. Further patent documents disclosing the deposition of gold-copper alloys are for instanceEP 0 193 848 A1 ,GB 1 375 611 A GB 2 053 276 A - All of these have drawbacks when the deposition of a thick deposit is needed. So, Au/Cu/Ag-processes can produce thick deposits as a coat but the deposition of silver creates a strong nodulation not acceptable for thick deposits. Further, some of these processes known from the state of the art comprise cadmium, which is deemed to be toxic and may be banned for application.
- It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved electrolyte as well as an improved method for the electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloy.
- In view of the electrolyte, this object is solved by an electrolyte for the electrolytic deposition of a gold-copper alloy on a substrate surface, wherein the electrolyte comprises beneath a source of gold and copper potassium cyanide (KCN) in a concentration capable to maintain a copper to KCN ratio in the range of 3 to 7, and at least one complexing agent of the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA], diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and nitrilo-triacetic acid [NTA] hydroxyethyl imino diacetic acid [HEIDA], nitrilo propionic diacetic acid [NPDA], imino diacetic acid [IDA], nitrilo trimethylphosphoric acid [NTMA, Dequest 2000], triethanol amine [FEA].
- The electrolyte according to the invention can comprise gold in a concentration between 2 to 20 g/l and copper in a concentration between 10 to 50 g/l. The at least one complexing agent of the group mentioned above is comprised in the inventive electrolyte in a concentration between 0,05 to 0,6 mol/l. It is believed that the strong chelating agents beneath functioning as complexing agent will contribute to the conductivity of the electrolyte.
- The inventive electrolyte may further comprise one of at least one metal of the group consisting of Sb, Se, Ag,Pt, Ni and Zn.
- Those metals will influence the physical properties of the alloy deposit. For example, selenium functions as brightener for the deposit. The same is true fortellurium and antimony.
- Platinum is believed to result in better homogenity of the alloy for high carat and thickness.
- Zinc and nickel can function as grain refiner as well as stabilizerto the free KCN.
- Gold is believed to function as efficiency booster to yield in higher plating velocity and carat.
- The metals mentioned above can be comprised in the inventive electrolyte in an amount between 0,1 mg/l and 10 g/l. It is within the scope of the invention that the electrolyte can comprise further additive metals to influence the physical properties of the deposit.
- The inventive electrolyte can further comprise a surface active agent or wetting agent which will function as brightener. A capable surface active agent which can be comprised in the electrolyte is for example sodium-lauryl-etherphosphate. Further, commercially available products known by name of nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants can be employed single or in combinations.
- The amount of the surface active agent in the inventive electrolyte may vary in a range of 0,1 ti 5 ml/l.
- It is further within the scope of the invention that the electrolyte can comprise secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents. Examples for such a secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents are pyridin sulfonic acid and ammonium hydrogene difluoride. The amount of these secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents may vary in a range between 0,1 g/l to 10 g/l.
- The pH-value of the inventive electrolyte may vary in a range of pH 8 to pH 13, with a preferred pH-value of about 11. To influence the pH-value, the inventive electrolyte may comprise alkaline hydroxide or alkaline earth hydroxide.
- Beneath the inventive electrolyte, with this invention a method for depositing a gold-copper alloy layer on a substrate surface is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps:
- pretreating the substrate surface to be plated;
- contacting the substrate surface to be plated with the inventive electrolyte; and
- conducting a current between the substrate and an anode.
- According to the inventive method, the current density conducted between the substrate and the anode may vary in a range of 0,2 to 2 A/dm2.
- According to the inventive method, during contacting the substrate surface with the inventive electrolyte and applying a current the temperature of the electrolyte is in the range of 70° C to 90° C.
- Surprisingly, it was found that there is a relationship between temperature and current density applied to the substrate as following:
- Temperature increases: efficiency increases (and opposite)
- Current density increases: efficiency decreases (and opposite).
- It is a main advantage of the invention to offer the possibility of thick and bright gold alloy layers on substrate surfaces without addition of toxic metal like cadmium. The inventive electrolyte together with the inventive method permits to produce a large range of carat suitable for plating and electroforming producing accurate value of carat between 18 and 14. Surprisingly, it was found that the value of carat can be controlled by measurement of efficiency in Mg/A.nm. According to the relationship of temperature and current density disclosed above, the right efficiency for an adequate value of carat is obtained by tuning the current density and temperature respectively.
- To control the plating process it is within the scope of the invention that all operating conditions are controlled by an adequate computer system to get an adequate value of carat.
- Surprisingly, it was found that a further advantage of the deposits resulting from the inventive- electrolyte and the inventive method showing a good resistance to nitric acid stripping even with a carat value of 14. This is especially useful for electroforming processes in jewellery when nitric acid stripping is necessary to clean the inside of pieces.
- A further advantage of the deposit yield by the inventive electrolyte and the inventive method is the possibility to heat-treat the deposited alloys in order to get an optimum ductility for a gold alloy. This is advantageously for both decorative and functional applications. By heat-treating the alloys deposited, a relatively high hardness is achieved. Relatively high in these terms means higher than that of the metallurgical alloy.
- For example, after a heat-treatment at 500° C for 10 minutes under controlled atmosphere nitrogen or cracking ammonia, the hardness rises from 280 HV to 380 HV while the aspect of surface isn't changed by oxidation.
- A further advantage of the deposits obtained from the inventive electrolyte is the good solder ability of the alloys. This characteristic is especially important in electroforming when it is necessary to close holes done to empty the mandrels and for further artistic work.
- Due to the strong complexing power of the complexing agent used according to this invention, the electrolyte is relatively none-sensitive to possible contaminations from various metals like Sn, Zn, Ag, Ni or Cr coming from different sources like drag ins from pre-treatment, mandrels composition or replenishment products. Generally, such types of contamination create an instability of the relation between current density and efficiency which may cause problems during electroforming processes. So, the non-sensity of the electrolyte to this contaminations is a further advance of this invention.
- By the inventive electrolyte as well as the inventive method gold-copper alloy deposits on substrate surfaces are obtainable showing a thickness of > 20 microns and a carat in the range of 12 to 19 carat. By the invention, also electroforming at a thickness of 200 microns and more is possible.
- Furthermore, the inventive electrolyte is also of high economic interest since it shows a minimum turn-over of 0,25 kg/l.
- The following embodiments are describing the invention in terms of examples, while the invention is not limited to this embodiments.
- The following electrolytes for gold-copper-alloy deposition are embodiments for the invention
Au/Cu alloys Bath no 1 2 3 4 5 Gold 4 8 6 6 5 Copper 20 10 20 30 20 Free KCN 5 2 10 10 7 Potassium carbonate 10 Potassium sodium tart rate 10 Di Potassium hydrogen phosphate 10 Au/Cu alloys (* not according the invention) Bath no 1 2 3* 4 5 Gold 4 8 6 6 5 Copper 20 10 20 30 20 Free KCN 5 2 10 10 7 Ratio Cu/KCN 4 5 2 3 3 Potassium carbonate 10 Potassium sodium tartrate 10 Di Potassium hydrogen phosphate 10 EDTA 5 5 HEIDA 5 NTA 10 50 NPDA 5 IDA 20 NTMA 50 TEA 10 50 PSA 2 2 Ammonium Hydrogen difluoride 5 2 Sb mg/l 0.5 10 2 1 Zn g/l 0.5 Pt g/l Ag mg/l Wetting agent 0.1 to 5 g/l or ml/l KOH to adjust pH to 10/12 Pre-treatment Product Temperature Time CD Brass Stainless Steel Electroless cleaner Enprep 100 60°C 2mn x x Rince water x x Electrolytic cleaner Enprep 285 40°C 1 mn 3A/dm2 x x Rince water x x Neutralisation actane 345 room 30 sec x x Rince water x x Gold flash Aurobond XDA 40°C 2 mn 4A/dm2 x Rince water x Gold flash Aurobond TN 50°C 30 sec 1 A/dm2 x x Rince water x x Acide gold Karatclad Omega 30°C 10 mn 1 A/dm2 x x
Claims (14)
- An electrolyte for the electrolytic deposition of a gold-copper alloy on a substrate surface, wherein the electrolyte comprises beneath a source of gold and copper free potassium cyanide (KCN) in a concentration in g/l capable to maintain a copper to free KCN ratio in the range of 3 to 7, and at least one complexing agent of the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, nitrilo-triacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA], diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and nitrilo-triacetic acid [NTA] Hydroxyethyl imino diacetic acid [HEIDA], nitrilo propionic diacetic acid [NPDA], imino diacetic acid [IDA], nitrilo trimethylphosphoric acid [NTMA, Dequest 2000], triethanol amine [TEA], wherein the electrolyte is capable of depositing thick and bright gold alloy layers without addition of cadmium.
- The electrolyte according to claim 1, comprising gold in a concentration between 2 to 20 g/l and copper in a concentration between 10 to 50 g/l.
- An electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one complexing agent of the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, nitrilo-triacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA], diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and nitrilo-triacetic acid [NTA] Hydroxyethyl imino diacetic acid [HEIDA], nitrilo propionic diacetic acid [NPDA], imino diacetic acid [IDA], nitrilo trimethylphosphoric acid [NTMA, Dequest 2000], triethanol amine [TEA] comprised in a concentration between 0,05 to 0,6 mol/l.
- An electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 to 3, further comprising ions of at least on metal of the group consisting of Te, Sb, Se, Ag, Pt, Ni and Zn.
- An electrolyte according to claim 4, comprising the ions of at least on metal of the group consisting of Sb, Se, Ag, Pt, Ni and Zn in an amount between 0,1 mg/l and 10 g/l.
- An electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising a surface active agent.
- An electrolyte according to claim 6, wherein the surface active agent is a sodium-lauryl-etherphosphate.
- An electrolyte according to claim 7, comprising the surface active agent in an amount of 0.1 to 5 ml/l.
- An electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 to 8, further comprising secondary brightener and/or stabilizing agents.
- An electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the pH-value of the electrolyte is in the range of 8 to 13.
- A method for depositing a gold-copper-alloy layer on a substrate surface, wherein the method comprises the steps:pretreating the substrate surface to be plated;contacting the substrate surface to be plated with an electrolyte according to one of the claims 1 to 10; andconducting a current between the substrate and an anode.
- The method according to claim 11, wherein the current density conducted between the substrate and the anode is in the range of 0.2 to 2 A/dm2.
- The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the temperature of the electrolyte is in the range of 70 °C to 90 °C.
- A gold-copper alloy deposit on a substrate surface by a process according to one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the thickness of the deposit is > 20 microns and the carat is in the range of 12 to 19 kt.
Priority Applications (3)
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EP07007963.7A EP1983077B1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
EP16197251.8A EP3170924A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
CN2008100934716A CN101289756B (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2008-04-21 | Electrolyte composition and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
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EP07007963.7A EP1983077B1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
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EP16197251.8A Division EP3170924A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
EP16197251.8A Previously-Filed-Application EP3170924A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
EP16197251.8A Division-Into EP3170924A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
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EP07007963.7A Ceased EP1983077B1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2007-04-19 | Electrolyte and method for electrolytic deposition of gold-copper alloys |
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WO2022180650A1 (en) | 2021-02-23 | 2022-09-01 | Italfimet Srl | Process for galvanic electrodeposition and associated galvanic bath |
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EP2312021B1 (en) * | 2009-10-15 | 2020-03-18 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Method for obtaining a deposit of a yellow gold alloy by galvanoplasty without using toxic metals |
CN105506686A (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2016-04-20 | 苏州市金星工艺镀饰有限公司 | Electroplating method for decorative nickel-copper-gold ternary alloy electroplating bath |
JP6690699B2 (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2020-04-28 | 日本製鉄株式会社 | Method for extracting metal compound particles, method for analyzing metal compound particles, and electrolytic solution used therein |
CN105671602A (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2016-06-15 | 大连理工大学 | Cyanide-free sulfite Au-Cu alloy electroplating solution and application |
CN109680310B (en) * | 2019-01-04 | 2020-07-07 | 中国计量大学 | Nickel-antimony electroplating solution and preparation method thereof |
CN110699721B (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2021-08-20 | 长春黄金研究院有限公司 | Cyanide-free gold-copper alloy electroplating solution and application thereof |
CN111962104A (en) * | 2020-08-21 | 2020-11-20 | 深圳国韵黄金文化有限公司 | 22K cyanide-free electroformed gold and preparation process thereof |
CN114875456B (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2024-03-08 | 深圳市铭轩珠宝首饰有限公司 | Copper-gold composite gold coating method and application thereof |
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- 2007-04-19 EP EP07007963.7A patent/EP1983077B1/en not_active Ceased
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WO2022180650A1 (en) | 2021-02-23 | 2022-09-01 | Italfimet Srl | Process for galvanic electrodeposition and associated galvanic bath |
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EP3170924A1 (en) | 2017-05-24 |
CN101289756B (en) | 2012-06-20 |
EP1983077A1 (en) | 2008-10-22 |
CN101289756A (en) | 2008-10-22 |
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