US20230193497A1 - Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, method for depositing, and substrate comprising such a layer - Google Patents
Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, method for depositing, and substrate comprising such a layer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230193497A1 US20230193497A1 US18/000,236 US202118000236A US2023193497A1 US 20230193497 A1 US20230193497 A1 US 20230193497A1 US 202118000236 A US202118000236 A US 202118000236A US 2023193497 A1 US2023193497 A1 US 2023193497A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electroplating bath
- mmol
- layer
- ranging
- present
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 174
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 95
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 94
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 94
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 75
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 52
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 134
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 75
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 41
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 39
- ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-N thiocyanic acid Chemical compound SC#N ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 29
- -1 halogen anions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 28
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 25
- 229910001430 chromium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 16
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 15
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000008139 complexing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000006174 pH buffer Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 150000001844 chromium Chemical class 0.000 claims description 10
- BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N malic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C(O)CC(O)=O BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 125000000896 monocarboxylic acid group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001429 cobalt ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- XLJKHNWPARRRJB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt(2+) Chemical compound [Co+2] XLJKHNWPARRRJB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- FFEARJCKVFRZRR-BYPYZUCNSA-N L-methionine Chemical compound CSCC[C@H](N)C(O)=O FFEARJCKVFRZRR-BYPYZUCNSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 5
- 229930182817 methionine Natural products 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000003462 sulfoxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 5
- 102000001708 Protein Isoforms Human genes 0.000 claims description 4
- 108010029485 Protein Isoforms Proteins 0.000 claims description 4
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 4
- 125000002496 methyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 4
- 125000001495 ethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-M Formate Chemical compound [O-]C=O BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001450 anions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001449 isopropyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])(*)C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940049920 malate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000004123 n-propyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019646 color tone Nutrition 0.000 description 49
- 235000002639 sodium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 36
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 22
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 19
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 16
- MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Oxalic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C(O)=O MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 15
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 15
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 12
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron Substances [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N methanoic acid Natural products OC=O BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 9
- NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia chloride Chemical compound [NH4+].[Cl-] NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-REOHCLBHSA-N (S)-malic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](O)CC(O)=O BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-REOHCLBHSA-N 0.000 description 7
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 7
- KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N boric acid Chemical compound OB(O)O KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000004327 boric acid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 150000001732 carboxylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000001630 malic acid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 235000011090 malic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- OSWFIVFLDKOXQC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)aniline Chemical compound COC1=CC=CC(C=2C=CC(N)=CC=2)=C1 OSWFIVFLDKOXQC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 235000019253 formic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- CPELXLSAUQHCOX-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bromide Chemical compound [Br-] CPELXLSAUQHCOX-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 5
- FEWJPZIEWOKRBE-JCYAYHJZSA-N Dextrotartaric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)C(O)=O FEWJPZIEWOKRBE-JCYAYHJZSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 5
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- FEWJPZIEWOKRBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tartaric acid Natural products [H+].[H+].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C(O)C([O-])=O FEWJPZIEWOKRBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229910001453 nickel ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 235000006408 oxalic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000011975 tartaric acid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000002906 tartaric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- BTBUEUYNUDRHOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Borate Chemical compound [O-]B([O-])[O-] BTBUEUYNUDRHOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- KXDHJXZQYSOELW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbamic acid Chemical class NC(O)=O KXDHJXZQYSOELW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- DHMQDGOQFOQNFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycine Chemical compound NCC(O)=O DHMQDGOQFOQNFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- VEQPNABPJHWNSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel(2+) Chemical compound [Ni+2] VEQPNABPJHWNSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 235000011054 acetic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000019270 ammonium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000015165 citric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920006260 polyaryletherketone Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fluorine atom Chemical compound [F] YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[K+] KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Thiocyanate anion Chemical compound [S-]C#N ZMZDMBWJUHKJPS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 125000000129 anionic group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 230000003666 anti-fingerprint Effects 0.000 description 3
- JOPOVCBBYLSVDA-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium(6+) Chemical compound [Cr+6] JOPOVCBBYLSVDA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N ether Substances CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052731 fluorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011737 fluorine Substances 0.000 description 3
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000011164 potassium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N saccharin Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)NS(=O)(=O)C2=C1 CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229940081974 saccharin Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 235000019204 saccharin Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000000901 saccharin and its Na,K and Ca salt Substances 0.000 description 3
- 125000001424 substituent group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004471 Glycine Substances 0.000 description 2
- CKLJMWTZIZZHCS-REOHCLBHSA-N L-aspartic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](N)CC(O)=O CKLJMWTZIZZHCS-REOHCLBHSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920008285 Poly(ether ketone) PEK Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004697 Polyetherimide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ULUAUXLGCMPNKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfobutanedioic acid Chemical class OC(=O)CC(C(O)=O)S(O)(=O)=O ULUAUXLGCMPNKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000004996 alkyl benzenes Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 150000008051 alkyl sulfates Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- SWLVFNYSXGMGBS-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium bromide Chemical compound [NH4+].[Br-] SWLVFNYSXGMGBS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000003704 aspartic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 125000004429 atom Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- OQFSQFPPLPISGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N beta-carboxyaspartic acid Natural products OC(=O)C(N)C(C(O)=O)C(O)=O OQFSQFPPLPISGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- NTXGQCSETZTARF-UHFFFAOYSA-N buta-1,3-diene;prop-2-enenitrile Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N NTXGQCSETZTARF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 2
- DSHWASKZZBZKOE-UHFFFAOYSA-K chromium(3+);hydroxide;sulfate Chemical group [OH-].[Cr+3].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O DSHWASKZZBZKOE-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 2
- 229910000356 chromium(III) sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011696 chromium(III) sulphate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000015217 chromium(III) sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002009 diols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910003455 mixed metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000007524 organic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920001652 poly(etherketoneketone) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001601 polyetherimide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- IOLCXVTUBQKXJR-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium bromide Chemical compound [K+].[Br-] IOLCXVTUBQKXJR-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- ZNNZYHKDIALBAK-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium thiocyanate Chemical compound [K+].[S-]C#N ZNNZYHKDIALBAK-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229940116357 potassium thiocyanate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000010970 precious metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- JHJLBTNAGRQEKS-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium bromide Chemical compound [Na+].[Br-] JHJLBTNAGRQEKS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052723 transition metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000003624 transition metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- CDFWDLTWTVIPBT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,4-dioxo-1,4-dipentoxybutane-2-sulfonic acid;sodium Chemical compound [Na].CCCCCOC(=O)CC(S(O)(=O)=O)C(=O)OCCCCC CDFWDLTWTVIPBT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021555 Chromium Chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000005062 Polybutadiene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium laurylsulphate Chemical compound [Na+].CCCCCCCCCCCCOS([O-])(=O)=O DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000003277 amino group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BFNBIHQBYMNNAN-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium sulfate Chemical compound N.N.OS(O)(=O)=O BFNBIHQBYMNNAN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052921 ammonium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011130 ammonium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910021538 borax Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000003842 bromide salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- KAKZBPTYRLMSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N butadiene group Chemical group C=CC=C KAKZBPTYRLMSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbonic acid Chemical class OC(O)=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002091 cationic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 150000003841 chloride salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- QSWDMMVNRMROPK-UHFFFAOYSA-K chromium(3+) trichloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Cl-].[Cr+3] QSWDMMVNRMROPK-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005238 degreasing Methods 0.000 description 1
- HTXDPTMKBJXEOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxoiridium Chemical compound O=[Ir]=O HTXDPTMKBJXEOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- GVGUFUZHNYFZLC-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecyl benzenesulfonate;sodium Chemical compound [Na].CCCCCCCCCCCCOS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 GVGUFUZHNYFZLC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000001153 fluoro group Chemical group F* 0.000 description 1
- 238000007429 general method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910000457 iridium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002505 iron Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- BAUYGSIQEAFULO-UHFFFAOYSA-L iron(2+) sulfate (anhydrous) Chemical compound [Fe+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O BAUYGSIQEAFULO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011859 microparticle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002825 nitriles Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- MUMZUERVLWJKNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxoplatinum Chemical compound [Pt]=O MUMZUERVLWJKNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002161 passivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910003446 platinum oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001643 poly(ether ketone) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002857 polybutadiene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000570 polyether Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium sulfate Chemical group [K+].[K+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052939 potassium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011151 potassium sulphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000002924 primary amino group Chemical group [H]N([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940080264 sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000019333 sodium laurylsulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000010339 sodium tetraborate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- VGTPCRGMBIAPIM-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium thiocyanate Chemical compound [Na+].[S-]C#N VGTPCRGMBIAPIM-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003467 sulfuric acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- BSVBQGMMJUBVOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N trisodium borate Chemical group [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]B([O-])[O-] BSVBQGMMJUBVOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004065 wastewater treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 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
- C25D3/04—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium
- C25D3/08—Deposition of black chromium, e.g. hexavalent chromium, CrVI
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D15/00—Electrolytic or electrophoretic production of coatings containing embedded materials, e.g. particles, whiskers, wires
-
- 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
- C25D3/04—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium
- C25D3/06—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium from solutions of trivalent chromium
-
- 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
- C25D3/04—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium
- C25D3/10—Electroplating: Baths therefor from solutions of chromium characterised by the organic bath constituents used
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
- C25D5/10—Electroplating with more than one layer of the same or of different metals
- C25D5/12—Electroplating with more than one layer of the same or of different metals at least one layer being of nickel or chromium
- C25D5/14—Electroplating with more than one layer of the same or of different metals at least one layer being of nickel or chromium two or more layers being of nickel or chromium, e.g. duplex or triplex layers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
- C25D5/48—After-treatment of electroplated surfaces
- C25D5/50—After-treatment of electroplated surfaces by heat-treatment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
- C25D5/60—Electroplating characterised by the structure or texture of the layers
- C25D5/605—Surface topography of the layers, e.g. rough, dendritic or nodular layers
- C25D5/611—Smooth layers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
- C25D5/627—Electroplating characterised by the visual appearance of the layers, e.g. colour, brightness or mat appearance
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)
- Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a very specific electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, a respective method thereof, and a respective substrate with said black chromium layer thereon. The substrate comprising said black chromium layer is excellently suited for decorative purposes.
Description
- The present invention relates to a very specific electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, a respective method thereof, and a respective substrate with said black chromium layer thereon. The substrate comprising said black chromium layer is excellently suited for decorative purposes.
- From the very beginning of chromium coatings, a high interest in black chromium coatings was observable due to its great appeal for optical applications.
- Beginning with even black hexavalent chromium coatings, the focus today significantly shifted to trivalent chromium coatings due to a higher environmental acceptance. Since some years the demand for dark, even neutral deep dark (also named neutral black), trivalent chromium coatings, is more and more increasing, for example for decorative automotive parts. However, since such a neutral black color tone might be perceived as too cold in some cases, a slight color tone modification is often demanded, which does not compromise the deep black tone itself but is adding a tiny warmth to it to create a more warm black color tone. In principle, both the neutral black color tone as well as the warm black color tone have strong demand in industry although being very similar.
- However, the degree of black varies significantly and depends on deposition parameters as well as bath ingredients.
- In many cases, the black color obtained from trivalent chromium coatings was not black enough to meet either a neutral black or a warm black color tone, for example to meet requirements for decorative parts in the automotive industry. In other cases, darkness was met but the overall optical impression is not sufficient. In even other cases an insufficient color stability over time was obtained.
- WO 2012/150198 A2 refers to a method and plating bath for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer.
- WO 2017/053655 A1 refers to a method for adjusting the lightness L* by means of an activated carbon filter as well as a dark electroplated trivalent chromium layer on a workpiece.
- CN 107099824 B refers to a black chromium electroplating solution, a composite plating layer and a preparation method thereof. The trivalent black chromium coating formed by this black chromium electroplating solution has a deep black and strong uniform coverage.
- JP 2014 100809 A refers to a vehicular decorative component having black plating film and method for manufacturing the same.
- US 2020/094526 A1 refers to a black plated resin part comprising a black chromium plating layer exhibiting an b* value of 3.0 or less.
- According to US′526 significant progress was made regarding a neutral black color tone and a warm black color tone. However, in all these attempts further improvements are needed for an industrial utilization. For example, in many cases the desired color tone is only obtained through unacceptably long idle times to initiate a natural color ageing, which finally results in the desired color tone. In other cases, the desired color tone is obtained rather quickly but the deposition is not possible on geometrically sophisticated substrates due to haze formation, burnings and skip plating.
- Thus, there is a great demand to further improve the available methods and plating baths in order to overcome said problems.
- It was therefore the objective of the present invention to provide an electroplating bath and a respective method for electroplating, which allows on the one hand a quick and stable color tone formation (for both a neutral black color tone as well as warm black color tone) and on the other hand allows deposition on a broad variety of substrate geometries without plating defects and thus, providing an excellent optical appearance including an excellent gloss. Furthermore, both color tones should be specifically and easily targeted and thus obtained.
- This objective is solved by means of the present invention, an electroplating bath and a respective method for electroplating.
- Therefore, the present invention refers to an electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, the electroplating bath comprising:
-
- (A) trivalent chromium ions;
- (B) one or more than one complexing agent for said trivalent chromium ions;
- (C) optionally, one or more than one pH buffer compound for said electroplating bath;
- (D) thiocyanic acid, salts, esters, and/or isoforms thereof, in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 250 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath;
- (E) one or more than one compound of formula (I), salts, and/or sulfoxides thereof
-
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I), -
- wherein
- R1 is a branched or unbranched C1 to C4 alkyl,
- R2 is selected from the group consisting of COOH, salts thereof, and (CH2)m—OH,
- n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and
- m is an integer ranging from 1 to 4.
- wherein
- Own experiments have shown (see examples below) that above mentioned problems strongly relate to the concentration of (D) and can be solved by maintaining the concentration of (D) in the above mentioned concentration range. The desired color tones (either neutral black or warm black) with an excellent gloss are quickly formed and can be specifically targeted. Furthermore, they can be formed even on substrates with sophisticated geometries such that a very uniform deposition quality is provided without plating defects. However, it furthermore turned out that these excellent results are obtained only if the comparatively narrow concentration range as defined above is kept for (D).
- Very preferably, the black chromium layer is a decorative chromium layer. Typical applications are automotive parts, most preferably for the interior of a car. The electroplating bath of the present invention is very suitable in order to obtain such a black chromium layer, most preferably such a black chromium layer as defined throughout the present text.
- The black chromium layer in the context of the present invention is very much preferably defined by the L*a*b* color system, preferably as introduced in 1976 by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage, if not stated otherwise.
- Generally preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer has an L* value of 50 or below, preferably of 49 or below, more preferably of 48 or below, even more preferably 47 or below, yet even more preferably 46 or below, further more preferably 45 or below, most preferably 43 or below. An L* value of 50 or below is typically well perceived as black and dark. Generally, the lower the L* value (preferably as defined above) the stronger the impression of a black/dark color tone.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer has an a* value ranging from −1.5 to +3, preferably ranging from −1 to +2.5, most preferably ranging from −0.5 to +2. Preferably, the a* value is at least positive. Most preferably this applies to the neutral black color tone and to the warm black color tone.
- A distinction between a neutral black color tone and a warm black color tone is typically based on slightly different b* values.
- In some cases, preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer is a neutral black chromium layer. This more preferably means that an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein the black chromium layer has an b* value ranging from −2.5 to +2.9, preferably ranging from −2 to +2, more preferably ranging from −1.5 to +1.5, most preferably ranging from −1 to +1.
- For a neutral black color tone, most preferably the L* value is 45 or below, more preferably 44 or below, even more preferably 43 or below, yet even more preferably 42 or below, most preferably 41 or below.
- In other cases, preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer is a chromium layer having a warm black color tone. This more preferably means that an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein the black chromium layer has an b* value ranging from +3 to +6, preferably ranging from +3.5 to +5.8, most preferably from +4 to +5.5.
- In the context of the present invention, both the neutral black color tone as well as the warm black color tone can be specifically targeted and thus, obtained, which is of great benefit.
- Compound (A) and General Bath Compounds:
- The electroplating bath of the present invention is preferably aqueous, i.e. it comprises water, preferably at least 55 vol.-% or more is water, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, more preferably 65 vol.-% or more, even more preferably 75 vol.-% or more, yet even more preferably 85 vol.-% or more, still more preferably 90 vol.-% or more, most preferably 95 vol.-% or more. Most preferably, water is the only solvent.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is acidic, preferably having a pH ranging from 1.5 to 5.0, more preferably from 2.0 to 4.6, even more preferably from 2.4 to 4.2, yet more preferably from 2.7 to 3.8, most preferably from 3.0 to 3.5. The pH is preferably adjusted with hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, potassium hydroxide, and/or sodium hydroxide.
- The electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (A) trivalent chromium ions.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the trivalent chromium ions have a total concentration ranging from 5 g/L to 35 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 6 g/L to 32 g/L, more preferably from 7 g/L to 29 g/L, even more preferably from 8 g/L to 26 g/L, yet even more preferably from 9 g/L to 23 g/L, most preferably from 10 g/L to 22 g/L.
- Preferably, the trivalent chromium ions are from a trivalent chromium salt, preferably from an inorganic chromium salt and/or an organic chromium salt, most preferably from an inorganic chromium salt. A preferred inorganic chromium salt comprises chloride and/or sulfate anions, preferably sulfate anions. A very preferred inorganic chromium salt is basic chromium sulfate. A preferred organic chromium salt comprises carboxylic acid anions, preferably formate, acetate, malate, and/or oxalate anions.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath comprises sulfate ions, most preferably from a trivalent chromium salt.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, a compound comprising chromium with an oxidation number +6. Thus, the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, hexavalent chromium.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, cobalt ions. Preferably, the black chromium layer is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, cobalt, or only in amounts as defined in the text below. Only in very rare cases it is also preferred that the electroplating bath and the black chromium layer, respectively, comprise cobalt, although this is less preferred. However, comparatively low amounts of cobalt can be tolerated although they are not necessary for the black appearance. In such a case, preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein cobalt ions are present in a range from 1 mg/L to 500 mg/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath and based on the element cobalt, preferably from 2 mg/L to 400 mg/L, more preferably from 3 mg/L to 300 mg/L, even more preferably from 4 mg/L to 200 mg/L, yet even more preferably from 5 mg/L to 100 mg/L, most preferably from 6 mg/L to 50 mg/L.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, nickel ions. In some cases, a typical Ni-contamination of up to 150 ppm is observed, which is basically acceptable and therefore considered as substantially free of nickel ions. Thus, in some cases the electroplating bath of the present invention preferably comprises nickel ions in a concentration ranging from 0 ppm to 200 ppm, based on the total weight of the electroplating bath, preferably from 1 ppm to 150 ppm, most preferably from 2 ppm to 100 ppm. Preferably, the black chromium layer is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, nickel.
- It is generally preferred to avoid such environmental questionable nickel and cobalt ions. This generally leads to less complicated wastewater treatment and bath disposal. In addition, neither nickel nor cobalt is needed to obtain the neutral black color tone and the warm black color tone.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, fluoride ions. Preferably, the black chromium layer is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, fluorine.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, compounds containing fluorine. This most preferably comprises fluorine-containing surface-active compounds.
- They are in particular not desired due to increased environmental limitations.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, phosphate anions, more preferably is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, phosphorous-containing compounds. Preferably, the black chromium layer is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, phosphorous. However, this does not exclude phosphorous in a subsequent layer deposited onto the black chromium layer, e.g. a passivation layer.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention further comprising halogen anions, preferably chloride anions. In the context of the present invention this is preferred and respective electroplating baths are named chloride-containing baths. More preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention comprising chloride ions and sulfate ions.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the chloride ions have a concentration ranging from 50 g/L to 200 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably ranging from 60 g/L to 185 g/L, more preferably ranging from 70 g/L to 170 g/L, even more preferably ranging from 80 g/L to 155 g/L, most preferably ranging from 90 g/L to 140 g/L. Chloride ions are preferably from a chloride salt and/or hydrochloric acid, preferably from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, chromium chloride (at least as a part of all chloride ions), and/or mixtures thereof. Typically, chloride ions are present as the anion of a conductivity salt as preferably mentioned before. A very preferred conductivity salt is ammonium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride, ammonium chloride being preferred most.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention further comprising bromide anions. This typically avoids an anodic formation of undesired hexavalent chromium species. Preferably, the bromide ions have a concentration ranging from 3 g/L to 20 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably ranging from 4 g/L to 18 g/L, more preferably ranging from 5 g/L to 16 g/L, even more preferably ranging from 6 g/L to 14 g/L, most preferably ranging from 7 g/L to 12 g/L. Bromide ions are preferably from a bromide salt, preferably from sodium bromide, potassium bromide, ammonium bromide, and/or mixtures thereof.
- More preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention comprising chloride ions, bromide ions, and sulfate ions, most preferred with concentrations as defined throughout the present text as being preferred.
- In some cases an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred further comprising Fe(II) ions, preferably in a concentration ranging from 0.1 mmol/L to 10 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 0.4 mmol/L to 8 mmol/L, more preferably from 0.6 mmol/L to 6 mmol/L, even more preferably from 0.8 mmol/L to 5 mmol/L, most preferably from 1 mmol/L to 4 mmol/L. This is in particular preferred if the electroplating bath of the present invention comprises chloride ions. Thus, most preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention comprising chloride ions, bromide ions, sulfate ions, and Fe(II) ions, most preferred with concentrations as defined throughout the present text as being preferred for them. Fe(II) ions are preferably from a respective iron salt, preferably from an iron (II) sulfate salt. Typically, iron ions have several beneficial effects on the electroplating performance and on the deposited black chromium layer obtained by the present invention. In many cases, an increased electroplating rate is observed which allows a thicker layer thickness. Preferably, the black chromium layer comprises iron, more preferably as defined throughout the text.
- Furthermore very preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the trivalent chromium ions and the Fe(II) ions (if present) are the only transition metals in the plating bath, most preferably chromium ions and iron ions (if present) are the only transition metals in the plating bath. An exception are Ni contaminations as mentioned already above, which are generally acceptable and therefore preferably included.
- In some cases, an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred further comprising at least one sulfur-containing compound being different from (D) and (E).
- In some cases, an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred further (i.e. in addition to (D) and (E)) comprising saccharin and/or salts thereof.
- In some cases, an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred further (i.e. in addition to (D) and (E)) comprising a sulfur-containing diol, most preferably in addition to above mentioned saccharin and/or salts thereof.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention further comprising at least one surface-active compound. A preferred surface-active compound comprises a cationic or an anionic surface-active compound, preferably an anionic surface-active compound. A preferred anionic surface-active compound comprises sulfosuccinates, alkyl benzene sulfonates having 8 to 20 aliphatic carbon atoms, alkyl sulfates having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and/or alkyl ether sulfates. Preferably, the at least one surface-active compound is free of fluorine atoms.
- Preferred sulfosuccinates comprise sodium diamyl sulphosuccinate.
- Preferred alkyl benzene sulfonates having 8 to 20 aliphatic carbon atoms comprise sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate.
- Preferred alkyl sulfates having 8 to 20 carbon atoms comprise sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Preferred alkyl ether sulfates fatty alcohols comprise sodium lauryl polyethoxy sulfates.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the at least one surface-active compound has a total concentration ranging from 0.001 g/L to 0.05 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 0.005 g/L to 0.01 g/L.
- In contrast, in some cases an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein the electroplating bath is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, chloride ions, preferably does not comprise halogen anions. In the context of the present invention this is less preferred and respective electroplating baths are named chloride-free baths. In such a case, the electroplating bath of the present invention preferably comprises sulfate ions to compensate the missing chloride ions. Even more preferred, the electroplating bath of the present invention comprises sulfate ions in addition to the sulfate ions from the chromium salt, most preferably by means of a conductive salt. A very preferred conductive salt is potassium sulfate, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, or mixtures thereof. In this particular case, the electroplating bath is preferably in some cases substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, bromide ions. However, it is preferred in some rare cases that such an electroplating bath comprises iron ions, preferably Fe(II) ions, most preferably in the concentrations as defined above.
- Compound (B):
- The electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (B) one or more than one complexing agent for said trivalent chromium ions. Such compounds keep the trivalent chromium ions in solution. Preferably, the one or more than one complexing agent is not a compound of (D) and (E) and is therefore preferably different from (D) and (E).
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the one or more than one complexing agent comprises an organic acid and/or salts thereof, preferably an organic carboxylic acid and/or salts thereof, most preferably an organic carboxylic acid comprising one, two, or three carboxylic groups and/or salts thereof.
- The organic carboxylic acid and/or salts thereof (preferably also the organic carboxylic acid comprising one, two, or three carboxylic groups and/or salts thereof) are preferably substituted with a substituent or unsubstituted. A preferred substituent comprises an amino group and/or a hydroxyl group. Preferably, the substituent does not comprise a SH group.
- More preferably, the organic carboxylic acid and/or salts thereof (preferably also the organic carboxylic acid comprising one, two, or three carboxylic groups and/or salts thereof) comprise amino carboxylic acids (preferably alpha-amino carboxylic acids), hydroxyl carboxylic acids, and/or salts thereof. Preferred (alpha-) amino carboxylic acids comprise glycine, aspartic acid, and/or salts thereof. Preferably, the amino carboxylic acids (preferably alpha-amino carboxylic acids, respectively) is not a compound according to (E), more preferably is not a sulfur-containing amino carboxylic acid (preferably is not a sulfur-containing alpha-amino carboxylic acid, respectively), most preferably is not methionine. It is preferred that the one or more than one complexing agent is distinct from the compound of formula (E).
- More preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the one or more than one complexing agent comprises formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycine, aspartic acid, and/or salts thereof, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and/or salts thereof, more preferably formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and/or salts thereof, even more preferably formic acid, acetic acid, and/or salts thereof, most preferably formic acid and/or salts thereof. This most preferably applies, if the electroplating bath of the present invention comprises chloride ions. In contrast, if the electroplating bath of the present invention is chloride-free, preferably the one or more than one complexing agent comprises oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and/or salts thereof, most preferably malic acid and/or salts thereof.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the one or more than one complexing agent has a total concentration ranging from 5 g/L to 200 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably ranging from 8 g/L to 150 g/L, more preferably ranging from 10 g/L to 100 g/L, even more preferably from 12 g/L to 75 g/L, yet even more preferably ranging from 15 g/L to 50 g/L, most preferably ranging from 20 g/L to 35 g/L. This most preferably applies if the electroplating bath comprises chloride ions but generally also applies to a chloride-free electroplating bath.
- If the electroplating bath of the present invention is particularly chloride-free, the one or more than one complexing agent has a total concentration ranging from 5 g/L to 100 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably ranging from 5.5 g/L to 75 g/L, more preferably ranging from 6 g/L to 50 g/L, even more preferably from 6.5 g/L to 25 g/L, yet even more preferably ranging from 7 g/L to 18 g/L, most preferably ranging from 7.5 g/L to 13 g/L. This preferably applies to oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and salts thereof, most preferably to malic acid and salts thereof.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein (B)/(A) forms a molar ratio ranging from 1 to 1.5, preferably ranging from 1.1 to 1.4, most preferably ranging from 1.2 to 1.3.
- Compound (C):
- The electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (C) optionally, one or more than one pH buffer compound for said electroplating bath. Most preferably, the electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (i.e. not optionally) one or more than one pH buffer compound. In the latter case, an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein the one or more than one pH buffer compound for said electroplating bath is distinct (i.e. different) from (B). In such a case, the one or more than one pH buffer compound does not comprise a carboxylic acid, preferably does not comprise an organic acid. In such a case they are counted to (B).
- In many cases an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein the one or more than one pH buffer compound comprises a boron-containing compound, preferably boric acid and/or a borate, most preferably boric acid. A preferred borate is sodium borate.
- Very preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the one or more than one pH buffer compound has a total concentration ranging from 30 g/L to 250 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably ranging from 35 g/L to 200 g/L, more preferably ranging from 40 g/L to 150 g/L, even more preferably ranging from 45 g/L to 100 g/L, most preferably ranging from 50 g/L to 75 g/L. This even more preferably applies to said boron-containing compound, yet even more preferably to said boric acid together with said borate, most preferably to said boric acid. Most preferably the one or more than one pH buffer compound comprises boric acid but no borate. Thus, most preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein (C) comprises boric acid, preferably in a total amount ranging from 35 g/L to 90 g/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 40 g/L to 80 g/L, more preferably from 50 g/L to 70 g/L, most preferably from 56 g/L to 66 g/L.
- In some other cases the electroplating bath of the present invention does not explicitly comprise a distinct pH buffer compound. Rather, the one or more than one complexing agent for said trivalent chromium ions are present in such an amount and selected in such a way that they do not only serve as complexing agent for the trivalent chromium ions but additionally serve as pH buffer compound. In the context of the present invention this is less preferred but possible.
- Compound (D):
- The electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (D) thiocyanic acid, salts, esters, and/or isoforms thereof, in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 250 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath. Our own experiments show that this compound is essential along with the aforementioned concentration range. Preferably, the concentration above is based on SCN−, i.e. based on monobasic thiocyanate. The term “acid” in “thiocyanic acid” includes its deprotonated/dissociated form.
- According to own experiments (see in the text below under “Examples”) if the concentration is significantly lower than 100 mmol/L no sufficiently black chromium layer is obtained. Most important, if the concentration of (D) is below 100 mmol/L, the heat-treating in the method of the present invention does not significantly affect the final color formation. Furthermore, an undesired high gloss is obtained, which starts to negatively impair the black optical appearance of the black chromium layer.
- Furthermore, if the concentration of (D) is significantly exceeding 250 mmol/L the number of plating defects is increasing, in particular on substrates with sophisticated surface geometry. Own hull cell experiments have shown that with a too high concentration of (D) an unacceptable small range of current densities is available. However, this is not acceptable in view of technical demands. Furthermore, if the concentration of (D) is significantly exceeding 250 mmol/L a too low gloss is obtained, given an unacceptable dull perception of the black chromium layer.
- In contrast, these problems are overcome with the present invention.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein (D) comprises thiocyanic acid, salts, and/or esters thereof in said total amount, most preferably thiocyanic acid and/or salts thereof in said total amount. Preferably the salt comprises potassium thiocyanate and/or sodium thiocyanate, most preferably in said total amount.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the bath comprises (D) in a total amount ranging from 105 mmol/L to 245 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 110 mmol/L to 240 mmol/L, more preferably from 115 mmol/L to 230 mmol/L, even more preferably from 120 mmol/L to 220 mmol/L, yet even more preferably from 125 mmol/L to 210 mmol/L, most preferably from 130 mmol/L to 200 mmol/L. Also, these preferred concentration ranges above are based on SON−, i.e. are based on monobasic thiocyanate, as well as all further mentioned concentration ranges below. Furthermore, it is explicitly preferred that above concentrations can be freely combined to form not explicitly disclosed concentration ranges. This includes most preferably further combinations of lower limits with higher limits not explicitly mentioned throughout the text.
- In some cases an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein said bath comprises (D) in a total amount ranging from 130 mmol/L to 250 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 150 mmol/L to 245 mmol/L, more preferably from 175 mmol/L to 240 mmol/L, most preferably from 191 mmol/L to 235 mmol/L. These are particularly preferred concentration ranges for a neutral black color tone.
- In some other cases an electroplating bath of the present invention is preferred, wherein said bath comprises (D) in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 205 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 105 mmol/L to 200 mmol/L, more preferably from 110 mmol/L to 190 mmol/L, even more preferably from 115 mmol/L to 180 mmol/L, most preferably from 120 mmol/L to 174 mmol/L. These are particularly preferred concentration ranges for a warm black color tone.
- Compound (E):
- The electroplating bath of the present invention comprises (E) one or more than one compound of formula (I), salts, and/or sulfoxides thereof
-
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I), -
- wherein
- R1 is a branched or unbranched C1 to C4 alkyl,
- R2 is selected from the group consisting of COOH, salts thereof, and (CH2)m—OH,
- n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and
- m is an integer ranging from 1 to 4.
- wherein
- In the context of the present invention “sulfoxides” thereof denotes an oxygen chemically linked via a double bond to the sulphur atom, i.e. the compound of formula (I) above includes a R1—S(═O)—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 structure.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein said bath comprises (E) in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 950 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 135 mmol/L to 800 mmol/L, more preferably from 150 mmol/L to 650 mmol/L, even more preferably from 165 mmol/L to 550 mmol/L, yet even more preferably from 180 mmol/L to 500 mmol/L, most preferably from 195 mmol/L to 450 mmol/L.
- In some cases preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein said bath comprises (E) in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 450 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 120 mmol/L to 400 mmol/L, more preferably from 140 mmol/L to 350 mmol/L, even more preferably from 150 mmol/L to 310 mmol/L, yet even more preferably from 170 mmol/L to 270 mmol/L, most preferably from 190 mmol/L to 230 mmol/L. These are particularly preferred concentration ranges for a warm black color tone.
- In other cases preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein said bath comprises (E) in a total amount ranging from 200 mmol/L to 950 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath, preferably from 220 mmol/L to 750 mmol/L, more preferably from 250 mmol/L to 580 mmol/L, even more preferably from 280 mmol/L to 530 mmol/L, yet even more preferably ranging from 311 mmol/L to 490 mmol/L, most preferably from 330 mmol/L to 420 mmol/L. These are particularly preferred concentration ranges for a neutral black color tone.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is 0.9 or more, preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.1 or more, most preferably 1.2 or more.
- More preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is ranging from 0.9 to 2.65, preferably from 1 to 2.6, more preferably from 1.05 to 2.55, even more preferably from 1.1 to 2.5, yet more preferably from 1.15 to 2.45, most preferably from 1.2 to 2.40.
- In some cases preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is ranging from 0.9 to 2.5, preferably from 1 to 2, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.8, yet even more preferably from 1.15 to 1.5, most preferably from 1.2 to 1.3. These are in some cases preferred molar ranges for a warm black color tone.
- In other cases preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is ranging from 1.6 to 2.65, preferably from 1.9 to 2.6, more preferably from 2.05 to 2.55, even more preferably from 2.1 to 2.5, yet even more preferably from 2.15 to 2.45, most preferably from 2.2 to 2.4. These are in some cases preferred molar ranges for a neutral black color tone.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein R1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or iso-propyl, preferably methyl or ethyl, most preferably methyl.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein R2 is COOH and/or salts thereof. As mentioned, COOH includes also the deprotonated/dissociated form thereof.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein n is 1 or 2, preferably 2.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein m is 1 or 2.
- Preferred is an electroplating bath of the present invention, wherein in (E) the compound of formula (I) comprises methionine. Most preferably, the compound of Formula (E) is methionine.
- Method for Electroplating:
- The present invention furthermore relates to a method for electroplating a black chromium layer on a substrate, the method comprising the steps
-
- (a) providing the substrate,
- (b) contacting the substrate with an electroplating bath according to the present invention, preferably an electroplating bath as described as being preferred throughout the present text,
- (c) applying an electrical current such that the black chromium layer is electroplated onto the substrate,
- (d) heat-treating the substrate obtained from step (c) at a temperature ranging from 30° C. to 100° C.
- The aforementioned features regarding the electroplating bath of the present invention, including the preferred variants thereof, preferably apply likewise to the method for electroplating of the present invention, most particular to step (b) of said method. Furthermore, the aforementioned regarding the L*a*b* values most preferably applies to the black chromium layer electroplated in step (c).
- In Step (a) the Substrate is Provided.
- In some cases, a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein the substrate comprises a plastic substrate, preferably is a plastic substrate. In other cases, a method of the present invention is preferred wherein the substrate comprises a metallic substrate, preferably is a metallic substrate.
- In many cases a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises a thermoplastic substrate, preferably an amorphous thermoplastic substrate and/or a semi-crystalline thermoplastic.
- More preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises butadiene moieties, preferably polybutadiene.
- Also preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises nitrile moieties.
- Also preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises acryl moieties.
- Very preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises polymerized styrene.
- Most preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (a) the substrate comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene—polycarbonate (ABS-PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), a polyetherketone (PEK), or mixtures thereof, preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene—polycarbonate (ABS-PC). Such plastic substrates are typically used in decorative applications such as automotive parts, in particular ABS and ABS-PC.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the polyetherketone (PEK) comprises polyaryletherketone (PAEK), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), poly ether ether ether ketone (PEEEK), poly ether ether ketone ketone (PEEKK), poly ether ketone ether ketone ketone (PEKEKK), poly ether ketone ketone (PEKK), and/or mixtures thereof, preferably poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), and/or mixtures thereof.
- In some cases, a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein the substrate is a metallic substrate, preferably comprising iron, copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc, mixtures thereof, and/or alloys thereof. A very preferred metallic substrate comprising iron is steel. A mixture thereof preferably includes composites.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention further comprising prior to step (b) at least one metal plating step to deposit at least one metal layer, most preferably at least one nickel plating step to deposit at least one nickel layer. In many cases two or even three such metal plating steps are preferably involved.
- Most preferably, the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one bright-nickel layer and/or (preferably or) at least one satin nickel layer, most preferably at least one bright-nickel layer.
- More preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one semi-bright nickel layer, preferably at least one semi-bright-nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer. The at least one semi-bright nickel layer is preferably optionally. Most preferably (if applied) the at least one semi-bright nickel layer is deposited prior to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer.
- Also preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one MPS nickel layer, preferably at least one MPS nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer, most preferably at least one MPS nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer, and further to said at least one semi-bright nickel layer. In the context of the present invention MPS denotes that the MPS nickel layer comprises non-conductive micro-particles, which cause micro-pores in a subsequent chromium layer, preferably in the black chromium layer. The at least one MPS nickel layer is preferably optionally.
- In some cases, a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein the MPS nickel layer is adjacent to the black chromium layer.
- In other cases a method of the present invention is preferred wherein the black chromium layer is adjacent to the at least one bright-nickel layer and/or the at least one satin nickel layer, which is in many cases preferred, most preferably in combination with the at least one bright-nickel layer.
- Preferably, the black chromium layer is part of a layer stack.
- In step (b) the substrate, preferably with the at least one nickel layer (preferably as defined above as being preferred) is contacted with the electroplating bath of the present invention, preferably by dipping.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the contacting during step (c) ranges from 1 minute to 30 minutes, preferably from 2 minutes to 20 minutes, more preferably from 3 minutes to 15 minutes, even more preferably from 4 minutes to 10 minutes, most preferably from 5 minutes to 8 minutes.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (c) the electroplating bath has a temperature in a range from 25° C. to 60° C., preferably from 28° C. to 50° C., more preferably from 30° C. to 47° C. This most preferably applies if the electroplating bath comprises chloride ions.
- In some cases a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein in step (c) the electroplating bath of the present invention has a temperature in a range from 35° C. to 65° C., preferably from 40° C. to 63° C., more preferably from 45° C. to 61° C., most preferably from 50° C. to 59° C. This most preferably applies if the electroplating bath is a chloride-free electroplating bath.
- In Step (c) an Electrical Current is Applied.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the electrical current is a direct current, preferably in a range from 3 A/dm2 to 30 A/dm2, more preferably from 4 A/dm2 to 25 A/dm2, even more preferably from 5 A/dm2 to 20 A/dm2, most preferably from 6 A/dm2 to 18 A/dm2.
- In some cases a method of the present invention is preferred, wherein the electrical current is a direct current, preferably in a range from 3 A/dm2 to 20 A/dm2, more preferably from 4 A/dm2 to 15 A/dm2, most preferably from 5 A/dm2 to 10 A/dm2. This most preferably applies if the electroplating bath is a chloride-free electroplating bath.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (c) at least one anode is utilized. The at least one anode is selected from the group consisting of graphite anodes, precious metal anodes, and mixed metal oxide anodes (MMOs).
- Preferred precious metal anodes comprise platinized titanium anodes and/or platinum anodes.
- Preferred mixed metal oxide anodes comprise platinum oxide coated titanium anodes and/or iridium oxide coated titanium anodes.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the electroplated black chromium layer has a layer thickness ranging from 0.05 μm to 1 μm, preferably from 0.1 μm to 0.8 μm, more preferably from 0.125 μm to 0.6 μm, most preferably from 0.15 μm to 0.5 μm.
- Most important in the context of the method of the present invention is step (d), the heat-treating. It allows a quick and direct formation of the desired black color tone. The temperature applied in step (d) is not the temperature utilized in step (c) for the electroplating bath. Steps (c) and (d) are distinct steps.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein the heat-treating is at a temperature ranging from 32° C. to 99° C., more preferably ranging from 45° C. to 92° C., even more preferably ranging from 52° C. to 88° C., most preferably ranging from 60° C. to 84° C.
- More preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (d) the heat-treating is carried out in water, preferably having a temperature ranging from 32° C. to 99° C., more preferably ranging from 45° C. to 92° C., even more preferably ranging from 52° C. to 88° C., most preferably ranging from 60° C. to 84° C.
- As mentioned, the heat-treating is preferably in water. This preferably means that this step is carried out in a treatment compartment comprising a treatment composition. Preferably, the treatment composition is aqueous, more preferably comprising as solvent only water, most preferably essentially consisting of water. Essentially consisting of water means that besides tiny contaminations from previous method steps, the main component of the treatment composition is and remains water. Typically, said contaminations are tolerable for the purpose of this step.
- Even more preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (d) the heat-treating is a hot water rinse, most preferably by dipping, even most preferably by dipping into the treatment composition.
- Preferred is a method of the present invention, wherein in step (d) the heat-treating is carried out without an electrical current. This means that this step is preferably electroless.
- The method of the present invention does not exclude further steps, preferably such as additional rinsing, cleaning, pre-treating, and/or post-treating. Preferably, steps as defined in the examples below apply likewise to the general method described throughout the present text. A preferred post-treating step comprises a sealing step, preferably with an inorganic and/or organic sealer, and/or a contacting step with an anti-fingerprint composition.
- Substrate Comprising a Black Chromium Layer:
- The present invention furthermore relates to a specifically defined substrate comprising a black chromium layer, wherein the black chromium layer has, according to the L*a*b color system, an L* value of 50 or less, and a gloss value ranging from 150 to 230, referenced to a measuring angle of 60°, preferably from 160 to 220, more preferably from 165 to 210, most preferably 170 to 200.
- The aforementioned regarding the electroplating bath of the present invention and the method of the present invention preferably applies likewise to the specifically defined substrate of the present invention (if technical applicable). This most preferably applies to the L*a*b* values defined for the electroplating bath of the present invention and the method of the present invention. However, the following features of the substrate of the present invention preferably also apply to the method of the present invention (if not already mentioned in the text above).
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer has an L* value of 49 or less, preferably 48 or less, more preferably of 47 or less, even more preferably of 46 or less, yet even more preferably of 45 or less, most preferably of 44 or less.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer has
-
- an a* value ranging from −1.5 to +3, preferably ranging from −1 to +2.5, most preferably ranging from −0.5 to +2,
- and/or (preferably and)
- an b* value ranging from −2.5 to +6, preferably ranging from −2 to +5.6, most preferably ranging from −1.5 to +5.
- Preferably, the black chromium layer is substantially free of, preferably does not comprise, cobalt,
- or
- comprises cobalt, wherein in the black chromium layer more chromium is present than cobalt. The latter preferably means that the atom ratio of chromium to cobalt (i.e. Cr:Co) is more than 1, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, most preferably 4 or more. This is most preferably based on the total amount of chromium and cobalt atoms in the black chromium layer.
- Preferably, the black chromium layer is not the only metal layer between the black chromium layer and the substrate.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the substrate comprises at least one nickel layer under the black chromium layer.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one bright-nickel layer or at least one satin nickel layer. This is most preferred.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one semi-bright nickel layer, preferably at least one semi-bright-nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer. The at least one semi-bright nickel layer is preferably optionally. Most preferably the at least one semi-bright nickel layer is the nickel layer (of all nickel layers) closest to the substrate.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the at least one nickel layer comprises at least one MPS nickel layer, preferably at least one MPS nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer and/or said at least one satin nickel layer, most preferably at least one MPS nickel layer in addition to said at least one bright-nickel layer, and/or said at least one satin nickel layer, and further to said at least one semi-bright nickel layer. In the context of the present invention MPS denotes micro porous.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein said at least one MPS nickel layer faces on the one side the black chromium layer and on the other side said at least one bright-nickel layer or said at least one satin nickel layer.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein said at least one semi-bright nickel layer is under said at least one bright-nickel layer or said at least one satin nickel layer.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer is part of a layer stack, the layer stack comprising, along a direction from the black chromium layer to the substrate (adjacent or not adjacent):
-
- (i) the black chromium layer,
- (ii) optionally, at least one MPS nickel layer,
- (iii) at least one bright-nickel layer and/or (preferably or) at least one satin nickel layer, and
- (iv) optionally, at least one semi-bright nickel layer.
- This preferably allows a very good gloss in the context of the present invention, most preferably ranging from 150 to 230, referenced to a measuring angle of 60°. This very most preferably applies if (iii) is a bright-nickel layer.
- Preferred is a substrate of the present invention, wherein the black chromium layer comprises iron (i.e. is more than zero at.-%), preferably up to 15 at.-%, based on all atoms in the black chromium layer, more preferably up to 12 at.-%, even more preferred up to 10 at.-%, yet even more preferably up 8 at.-%, most preferably up to 6 at.-%.
- In some cases, the layer stack preferably comprises a sealer layer and/or an anti-fingerprint layer, most preferably on the black chromium layer. If both is applied, preferably the sealer layer is applied first, followed by the anti-fingerprint layer, which preferably forms the very outermost layer.
- Below, the present invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
- In the following, Hull Cell electroplating was performed to evaluate the optical appearance of the black chromium layer depending on the current density distribution.
- General Procedure:
- As a substrate, copper panels (99 mm×70 mm) were used.
- In a first step, the copper panels were cleaned by electrolytic degreasing with Uniclean® 279 (product of Atotech Deutschland GmbH), 100 g/L at room temperature (RT). Afterwards the substrates were rinsed with water, pickled with 10% H2SO4 by volume, and rinsed with water.
- In a second step, the cleaned substrates were deposited with a bright nickel layer (10 min, 4 A/dm2, UniBrite 2002, product of Atotech) such that a nickel-plated substrate was obtained and rinsed with water.
- In a third step, the black chromium layer was deposited by utilizing the following electroplating bath:
-
(A) ca. 20 to 25 g/L Cr3+ ions (provided as basic chromium sulfate), (B) ca. 30 g/L Formic acid, (C) ca. 60 g/L Boric acid, (D) Tbl. 1 Potassium thiocyanate, (E) Tbl. 1 Methionine, ca. 10 g/L Ammonium bromide, ca. 100 g/L Ammonium chloride, ca. 100 g/L Potassium chloride, and ca. 0.5 g/L Fe SO4•7 H2O - The electroplating baths further comprised small amounts (up to 4 g/L) of saccharin and between 5 g/L and 50 g/L of a S-containing diol. No cobalt ions and no nickel ions were present. Thus, the black chromium layer did not comprise cobalt and nickel. However, further experiments indicate that relatively small amounts of cobalt can be tolerated (not shown).
- The pH value was adjusted to 3.2.
- Compounds (D) and (E) were utilized in various concentrations as summarized in Table 1 below.
- If not stated otherwise, each electroplating bath was tested in a Hull cell having a graphite anode and the nickel-plated substrate was installed as the cathode. An electrical current of 5 A was passed through for 3 minutes at temperatures ranging from 35° C. to 45° C. (see Table 1 for further details).
- After plating, the substrates were rinsed with water and dried for a first color measurement (abbreviated as “CM1” in Table 1). After “CM1”, the substrate was subjected to a hot water rinse for 10 minutes at 70° C. and 80° C., respectively, dried and a second color measurement was carried out (abbreviated as “CM2” in Table 1).
- In a first set of experiments (abbreviated as Examples E1.1 to E1.7 in Table 1), a warm black color tone (b* ranging from ca. +3 to +6) was immediately created after the hot water rinse, wherein in a second set of experiments (abbreviated as Examples E2.1 to E2.3 in Table 1) a neutral black color tone (b* about or less than zero) was immediately created after the hot water rinse. Color measurements according to the L*a*b* color space system were carried out with a colorimeter (Konica Minolta CM-700d; measuring mode: SCI; Observer angle: 10°; Light source: D65) and at a position of ca. 3.5 cm from the left edge of the substrate and 2 cm from the lower edge (representing a typical medium current density (MCD) of approximately 10 A/dm2 to 12 A/dm2). Comparative Examples are abbreviated as “CE”.
- Besides above mentioned color measurement, the substrates were also optically inspected depending on the locally present current densities (abbreviated as “ASD range” in Table 1). For that, the area of defect-free black chromium layer (i.e. having a homogeneous black chromium layer without haze and burnings) was determined and re-calculated as a corresponding current density range (“ASD range”). A comparatively broad range of re-calculated current densities is considered better because it shows that from low to high current densities a defect-free black chromium layer is obtained.
- Gloss was determined with a reflectometer (REFO 3-D, Dr. Lange), referenced to a measuring angle of 60°.
-
TABLE 1 electroplating bath compositions and results (D) (E) (E)/ T*** CM1 CM2 ASD No. [mmol/L] [mmol/L] (D) [° C.] L*; a*; b* L*; a*; b* range Rating E1.1* 101 202 2 70 53; 0.5; 3.8 49; 1.0; 4.9 3-50 ++ E1.2* 131 306 2.3 70 51; 0.6; 4.6 46; 1.4; 5.6 3-20 ++ E1.3** 131 306 2.3 80 50; 1.0; 5.5 44; 1.5; 4.5 5-50 +++ E1.4* 152 202 1.3 70 52; 0.6; 4.2 44; 1.5; 4.4 3-25 +++ E1.5* 163 155 1 70 53; 0.5; 3.8 50; 0.8; 4.8 3-50 ++ E1.6* 163 206 1.3 70 52; 0.6; 4.4 46; 1.4; 5.2 3-35 +++ E1.7* 202 202 1 70 50; 0.7; 4.7 43; 1.6; 3.6 4-25 +++ E2.1** 162 357 2.2 80 50; 0.8; 5.1 41; 1.6; 0.6 4-50 +++ E2.2** 182 406 2.2 80 48; 1.2; 6.4 40; 1.0; −1.4 4-20 +++ E2.3** 234 406 1.7 80 48; 1.1; 6.3 41; 0.3; −2.4 4-15 ++ CE1 49 202 4.1 70 55; 0.4; 3.3 53; 0.6; 4.3 3-50 + *denotes 35° C. electroplating bath temperature **denotes 45° C. electroplating bath temperature ***denotes rinse water temperature Under “Rating” the over-all performance is evaluated as follows: + denotes that either the color measurement (i.e. CM1 and CM2) or the ASD range are meeting the requirements; however, this is not sufficient and therefore not desired; ++ denotes that both the color measurement (i.e. CM1 and CM2) and the ASD range are meeting the requirements; this is desired; +++ denotes that both the color measurement (i.e. CM1 and CM2) and the ASD range are excellently meeting the requirements; this is very much desired -
- CE1 shows that a certain concentration of (D) is needed in order to obtain a sufficiently black/dark color tone at all. The concentration of (D) is significantly below 100 mmol/L. It furthermore shows that a lack of (D) cannot be compensated by comparatively high concentrations of (E).
- Additional Comparative Examples CE2 to CE4 were carried out based on US 2020/094526 A1:
-
- CE2 corresponds to Sample No. 5 in Table 1 (which represents all samples ranging from 5 to 13 in Table 1), wherein the total amount of thiocyanic acid is again below 100 mmol/L (i.e. 100 ml/L Trichrome Graphite Makeup and 30 ml/L Trichrome Graphite Maintenance result in less than 100 mmol/L thiocyanic acid); the color measurement CM1 showed an L*; a*; b* of 54; 0.5; 3.8 immediately after plating and an ASD range from 7 to 50. Although the ASD range is relatively broad, the color is not sufficiently black/dark immediately after plating.
- As shown in US′526, Table 1, a really dark (and neutral black) color tone is obtained only in Example No. 7 with L*; a*; b* of 44; 0.8; 0.4 (measured at high current density) with an “Acceleration test”, which includes a waiting time under pre-determined conditions for 18 days (see [0064] ion US′526). Furthermore, a sufficiently warm black color tone was obtained only in Example No. 6 (allowed to stand at ambient air for 18 days) and Example No. 13 (again with “Acceleration test for 18 days). Own experiments show that a 10 minutes hot water rinse has no significant effect on CE2 to obtain a warm black color tone or a neutral black color tone. Examples 5 to 13 in US′526 therefore have at least the following disadvantages according to our own observations: First, an idle time (or also called aging time) of 18 or 19 days is considered inacceptable in view of industry requirements. Second, the same chemical composition provides different optical results depending on the idle time and conditions applied. Both is not desired. It is desired to quickly obtain a well-defined black color tone (either a neutral black color tone or a warm black color tone). As shown above, this can be achieved with the present invention.
- Thus, our own experiments clearly show that a total concentration of (D), e.g. of thiocyanate, of below 100 mmol/L is too low to be significantly affected by a hot water rinse.
-
- CE3 corresponds to Sample No. 14 in Table 2 in US′526, wherein the total amount of thiocyanic acid is 15 g/L (i.e. 254 mmol/L), which is significantly higher than in Sample No. 5 of US′526. The color measurement CM1 showed an L*; a*; b* of 47; 1.0; 5.7 immediately after plating at ca. 10 A/dm2, which is in good agreement with what is disclosed in US′526, Table 2, No. 14, “Initial”. However, irrespective of any hot water rinse, our experiment also showed that the ASD range is unacceptably narrow (only ca. 1 ASD) in the Hull Cell setup. In contrast, the examples of the present invention clearly show that a thiocyanic acid concentration below 250 mmol/L allows not only the desired color tone but additionally broadens the ASD range. Thus, a total amount significantly above 250 mmol/L very negatively affects the possible current density range on a substrate and therefore strongly increases the possibility of plating defects. This can be surprisingly solved by the present invention by not exceeding 250 mmol/L.
- CE4 corresponds to Sample No. 17 in Table 2 of US′526, wherein the total amount of thiocyanic acid is 40 g/L (i.e. 677 mmol/L). Compared to CE3 the total amount of thiocyanic acid was significantly further increased. Although a deposition is possible, a strong and undesired white haze is covering major parts of the hull cell substrate indicating that the range of an acceptable current density range is even smaller compared to CE3. Thus, CE4 confirms the finding of CE3 and supports the conclusion that CE4 is not suitable for electroplating sophisticated or complex substrates which require a significantly broader current density range.
- The examples according to the invention show that a either a neutral black color tone or a warm black color tone can be specifically addressed and obtained within an acceptable short time. The concentration of (D) is high enough to obtain an effect from the hot water rinse but is not exceeding a critical concentration such that a relative broad current density range is still guaranteed.
- In addition, for examples E1.1 to E1.7 the gloss was determined after the hot water rinse with the following results: E1.1: in range from >210 to 230; E1.2 to E1.6: in a range from 185 to 210; E1.7: in a range from 160 to <185. These results show that the gloss correlates indirectly with the concentration of (D). According to the results, a very low concentration of (D) results in a comparatively high gloss, e.g. more than 210 (see E1.1). In contrast, a concentration of (D) in a range as in examples E1.2 to E1.6 results in a very much desired gloss ranging from 185 to 210. In contrast, higher concentrations of (D), such as in E1.7, show already a still acceptable but already reduced gloss ranging from 160 to <185. This indicates that significantly higher concentrations of (D), in particular above 250 mmol/L, strongly impair the gloss of a respective black chromium layer by lowering the gloss significantly below 150, which leads to an increased (and undesired) impression of a matt/dull surface. In contrast, if the concentration of (D) is too low, i.e. (significantly) below 100 mmol/L, gloss is comparatively high (e.g. >230) but impairs the optical perception in such a way that it leads to an impression that the black color tone is not sufficiently dark or black. This perception is undesired.
- Further examples according to the invention were carried out, wherein the electroplating bath was modified in such a way that no chloride ions were included (specific data not shown). In these experiments no hull cell experiments were carried out but rather electroplating trials in a beaker with the same hull cell substrates but at a specific current density of 10 A/dm2. In these examples a warm black color tone with an L*; a*; b* of 45; 1.3; 3.8 was obtained.
Claims (20)
1. An electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, the electroplating bath comprising:
(A) trivalent chromium ions;
(B) one or more than one complexing agent for said trivalent chromium ions;
(C) optionally, one or more than one pH buffer compound for said electroplating bath;
(D) thiocyanic acid, salts, esters, and/or isoforms thereof, in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 250 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath;
(E) one or more than one compound of formula (I), salts, and/or sulfoxides thereof
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I),
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I),
wherein
R1 is a branched or unbranched C1 to C4 alkyl,
R2 is selected from the group consisting of COOH, salts thereof, and (CH2)m—OH,
n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and
m is an integer ranging from 1 to 4.
2. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 further comprising halogen anions.
3. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein the bath comprises (D) in a total amount ranging from 105 mmol/L to 245 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath.
4. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein said bath comprises (E) in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 950 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath.
5. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is 0.9 or more.
6. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of (E):(D) is ranging from 0.9 to 2.65.
7. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein R1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or iso-propyl.
8. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein R2 is COOH and/or salts thereof.
9. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein n is 1 or 2.
10. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 , wherein in (E) the compound of formula (I) comprises methionine.
11. A method for electroplating a black chromium layer on a substrate, the method comprising the steps
(a) providing the substrate,
(b) contacting the substrate with an electroplating bath according to claim 1 ,
(c) applying an electrical current such that the black chromium layer is electroplated onto the substrate, and
(d) heat-treating the substrate obtained from step (c) at a temperature ranging from 30° C. to 100° C.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein in step (d) the heat-treating is carried out in water.
13. A substrate comprising a black chromium layer, wherein the black chromium layer has, according to the L*a*b color system, an L* value of 50 or less, and a gloss value ranging from 150 to 230, referenced to a measuring angle of 60°.
14. The substrate of claim 13 , wherein the black chromium layer has an a* value ranging from −1.5 to +3,
or
b* value ranging from −2.5 to +6,
or both an a* value ranging from −1.5 to +3, and a b* value ranging from −2.5 to +6.
15. The substrate of claim 13 , wherein the black chromium layer is part of a layer stack, the layer stack comprising, along a direction from the black chromium layer to the substrate:
(i) the black chromium layer,
(ii) optionally, at least one MPS nickel layer,
(iii) at least one bright-nickel layer and/or at least one satin nickel layer, or both at least one bright nickel layer and at least one satin nickel layer, and
(iv) optionally, at least one semi-bright nickel layer.
16. The substrate of claim 13 , wherein the black chromium layer is substantially free of cobalt, or
comprises cobalt, wherein in the black chromium layer more chromium is present than cobalt.
17. An electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, the electroplating bath comprising:
(A) trivalent chromium ions;
(B) one or more than one complexing agent for said trivalent chromium ions;
(C) optionally, one or more than one pH buffer compound for said electroplating bath;
(D) thiocyanic acid, salts, esters, and/or isoforms thereof, in a total amount ranging from 100 mmol/L to 250 mmol/L, based on the total volume of the electroplating bath;
(E) one or more than one compound of formula (I), salts, and/or sulfoxides thereof
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I),
R1—S—(CH2)n—CH(NH2)—R2 (I),
wherein
R1 is a branched or unbranched C1 to C4 alkyl,
R2 is COOH, and/or salts thereof,
n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and
m is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and
wherein molar ratio of (E):(D) is 0.9 or more.
18. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 wherein the trivalent chromium ions are from a inorganic or organic trivalent chromium salt having anions selected from the group consisting of sulfate anions, formate, acetate, malate, and/or oxalate anions
19. The electroplating bath according to claim 1 wherein the bath is an electroplating bath, wherein cobalt ions are present in a range from 1 mg/L to 500 mg/L or does not comprise cobalt ions.
20. The method of claim 11 wherein in step (d) the heat-treating is a hot water rinse.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20213572 | 2020-12-11 | ||
EP20213572.9 | 2020-12-11 | ||
PCT/EP2021/085194 WO2022123008A2 (en) | 2020-12-11 | 2021-12-10 | Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, method for depositing, and substrate comprising such a layer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230193497A1 true US20230193497A1 (en) | 2023-06-22 |
Family
ID=73834380
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/000,236 Pending US20230193497A1 (en) | 2020-12-11 | 2021-12-10 | Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, method for depositing, and substrate comprising such a layer |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230193497A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4259853A2 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2023531316A (en) |
CN (1) | CN115777030A (en) |
TW (1) | TW202231928A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022123008A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2886683B1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2019-12-18 | ATOTECH Deutschland GmbH | Electroplating bath and method for producing dark chromium layers |
JP2014100809A (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2014-06-05 | Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd | Vehicular decorative component having black plating film and method for manufacturing the same |
EP3147388A1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-29 | Enthone, Incorporated | Flexible color adjustment for dark cr(iii)-platings |
CN107099824B (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2019-05-17 | 四维尔丸井(广州)汽车零部件有限公司 | A kind of black chromium plating bath, composite deposite and preparation method thereof |
JP6927061B2 (en) * | 2018-01-19 | 2021-08-25 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Manufacturing method of plated structure |
US11198944B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 | 2021-12-14 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Black plated resin part and method for producing the same |
-
2021
- 2021-12-10 WO PCT/EP2021/085194 patent/WO2022123008A2/en unknown
- 2021-12-10 US US18/000,236 patent/US20230193497A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-10 JP JP2023501839A patent/JP2023531316A/en active Pending
- 2021-12-10 TW TW110146218A patent/TW202231928A/en unknown
- 2021-12-10 CN CN202180046511.5A patent/CN115777030A/en active Pending
- 2021-12-10 EP EP21823927.5A patent/EP4259853A2/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-02-20 JP JP2023000501U patent/JP3242416U/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2022123008A2 (en) | 2022-06-16 |
TW202231928A (en) | 2022-08-16 |
EP4259853A2 (en) | 2023-10-18 |
CN115777030A (en) | 2023-03-10 |
JP2023531316A (en) | 2023-07-21 |
WO2022123008A3 (en) | 2022-07-21 |
JP3242416U (en) | 2023-06-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2886683B1 (en) | Electroplating bath and method for producing dark chromium layers | |
KR102422608B1 (en) | How to treat chrome finished surfaces | |
KR20140044768A (en) | Substrate with a corrosion resistant coating and method of production thereof | |
JP3242417U (en) | A substrate completely covered with a dark chromium layer on at least one side | |
CN1451056A (en) | Improvement in the production of a zinc-aluminum alloy coating by immersion into molten metal baths | |
US20230193497A1 (en) | Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer, method for depositing, and substrate comprising such a layer | |
WO2019215287A1 (en) | Nickel comprising layer array and a method for its manufacturing | |
US20240026557A1 (en) | Electroplating bath for depositing a black chromium layer and method for electroplating a black chromium layer on a substrate | |
KR20100121399A (en) | Nickel flash plating solution, zinc-electroplated steel sheet and manufacturing method thereof | |
TWI448590B (en) | Novel cyanide-free electroplating process for zinc and zinc alloy die-cast components | |
CN111778530A (en) | Nickel plating solution additive, nickel plating solution and electroplating process | |
KR20100083623A (en) | Zn-ni alloy electrodeposition composition | |
KR20200092882A (en) | Indium electroplating compositions and methods for electroplating indium on nickel | |
KR100843945B1 (en) | Additives for ni plating, plating solution added the additives and zn electroplating steel sheet plated thin ni film | |
CN116219510B (en) | High corrosion resistance electrogalvanized iron plate and production method thereof | |
JPH06240490A (en) | Corrosion resistant chromium plating | |
WO2022258680A1 (en) | Method for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer, substrate comprising same, and electroplating bath thereof | |
US20230357932A1 (en) | Method for metallizing a non-metallic substrate and pre-treatment composition | |
CN117144190A (en) | Zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating, zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating steel plate and preparation method thereof | |
TR202016469A2 (en) | OXAZOLINES AND THEIR DERIVATIVES AS A POLISHER, GRAIN SHRINKLER AND HARDENER FOR THE ELECTRIC DEPOSITION AND NON-ELECTRIC DEPOSITION OF METALS AND ALLOYS. |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ATOTECH DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO. KG, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:OEZKAYA, BERKEM;WACHTER, PHILIPP;JONAT, MICHAEL;SIGNING DATES FROM 20221128 TO 20221129;REEL/FRAME:061912/0120 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |