A Radiochemical Investigation of the Mechanism of Formation of Cyanide Films on Steel Components in Alkali-Cyanide Electroplating Baths

摘要

In connection with the increased hydrogen embrittlement of steel after having been cadmium plated in an alkali-cyanide plating bath, a radiochemical investigation is reported in which it is demonstrated that an adsorbed layer of cyanide is formed on the steel parts. It is also demonstrated that this action takes place as a van der Waal adsorption until an electrical current is applied, following which, further formation of cyanide then takes place on the cathode throught chemisorption. (Author)