Electroless nickel deposits have found wide acceptance in a number of industries. The electroless nickel processes are different from most electroplating processes in that salts build up during plating that limit the useful bath life. This presents a large waste treatment load for the plating shop. Several approaches are being used to extend the useful life of an electroless nickel plating bath. One of these approaches is the use of electrodialysis. Electrodialysis is capable of removing the salts that build up during bath life, most notably the sulfate and orthophosphite salts, but it also removes important bath constituents. This paper will present data obtained from studies of the electrodialysis of commercially used electroless nickel plating baths and the results of rebuilding the baths to working condition. The results of these studies will be used to discuss the pros and cons of electrodialysis in terms of plating concerns and economics.
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