Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion protection layer system for metal surfaces, said layer system comprising as the two top most layers: a) a discontinuous nickel-phosphorus layer and b) a chromium layer plated from a trivalent chromium electrolyte solution, as well as to a method of producing such a layer system. The inventive layer system is capable to combine the good corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus layer against sodium chloride with the protective power of the chromium layer from the trivalent plating process against magnesium and calcium salts, especially without the need for any post-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chrome free etch for plating on plastic processes, wherein plastic surfaces are contacted in a first etching step with an etching solution at least comprising Mn(IV)-ions and, in a second etching step, with a solution at least comprising Mn(III)- and Mn(VII)-ions prior to the metal plating step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the adjustment of the lightness L* of electrolytically deposited chromium-finishes on workpieces obtained by an electroplating bath comprising at least chromium(III)-ions and sulfur containing organic compounds, wherein the concentration of the sulfur containing organic compounds in the bath are adjusted by passing at least part of the bath composition through an activated carbon filter. Furthermore, the invention is directed to dark chrome coatings comprising a defined concentration gradient of deposited sulfur containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion protection layer system for metal surfaces, said layer system comprising as the two top most layers: a) a discontinuous nickel-phosphorus layer and b) a chromium layer plated from a trivalent chromium electrolyte solution, as well as to a method of producing such a layer system. The inventive layer system is capable to combine the good corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus layer against sodium chloride with the protective power of the chromium layer from the trivalent plating process against magnesium and calcium salts, especially without the need for any post-treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion protection layer system for metal surfaces, said layer system comprising as the two top most layers: a) a discontinuous nickel-phosphorus layer and b) a chromium layer plated from a trivalent chromium electrolyte solution, and method of producing such a corrosion protection layer system. The corrosion protection layer system provides corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus layer against sodium chloride with the protection of the chromium layer produced from a trivalent process again magnesium salts, without the need for any post-treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the adjustment of the lightness L* of electrolytically deposited chromium-finishes on workpieces obtained by an electroplating bath comprising at least chromium(III)-ions and sulfur containing organic compounds, wherein the concentration of the sulfur containing organic compounds in the bath are adjusted by passing at least part of the bath composition through an activated carbon filter. Furthermore, the invention is directed to dark chrome coatings comprising a defined concentration gradient of deposited sulfur containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the adjustment of the lightness L* of electrolytically deposited chromium-finishes on workpieces obtained by an electroplating bath comprising at least chromium(III)-ions and sulfur containing organic compounds, wherein the concentration of the sulfur containing organic compounds in the bath are adjusted by passing at least part of the bath composition through an activated carbon filter. Furthermore, the invention is directed to dark chrome coatings comprising a defined concentration gradient of deposited sulfur containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion protection layer system for metal surfaces, said layer system comprising as the two top most layers: a) a discontinuous nickel-phosphorus layer and b) a chromium layer plated from a trivalent chromium electrolyte solution, as well as to a method of producing such a layer system. The inventive layer system is capable to combine the good corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus layer against sodium chloride with the protective power of the chromium layer from the trivalent plating process against magnesium and calcium salts, especially without the need for any post-treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the adjustment of the lightness L* of electrolytically deposited chromium-finishes on workpieces obtained by an electroplating bath comprising at least chromium(III)-ions and sulfur containing organic compounds, wherein the concentration of the sulfur containing organic compounds in the bath are adjusted by passing at least part of the bath composition through an activated carbon filter. Furthermore, the invention is directed to dark chrome coatings comprising a defined concentration gradient of deposited sulfur containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous inhibition composition for the inhibition of electrochemical metal plating on polymer surfaces, said inhibition composition comprising an inhibition agent selected from the group of compounds having at least one sulfur and at least one nitrogen atom as well as to a method for the inhibition of an insulated surface of a rack area. The inventive inhibition composition is capable to provide a solution for prohibiting unintended metallization on insulated areas of the racks when non-chromic etching is utilized for plating on plastics processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates as well as a conductor solution used in such a method. According to the invention, it is proposed to contact a non-conductive substrate surface after activation by a noble metal colloid-containing activator solution with a conductor solution, which comprises a metal that is reducible by a metal of the activator solution, a complexing agent and a reducing agent.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a metal substrate comprising a constituent metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Pb, Sn, Ni, Zn, in some cases Fe, and alloys of these metals. An anodic potential is applied to the metal surface in an electrolytic circuit comprising the metal surface, a cathode, and an electrolytic solution that is in contact with the metal surface and in electrically conductive communication with the cathode. The electrolytic solution may contain an electrolyte comprising anions of phosphate, phosphonate, phosphite, phosphinate, nitrate, borate, silicate, molybdate, tungstate, carboxylate, oxalate and combinations thereof. The anion may comprise a polymer having a pendent moiety selected from the group consisting of phosphate, phosphonate, phosphite, phosphinate, sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates as well as a conductor solution used in such a method. According to the invention, it is proposed to contact a non-conductive substrate surface after activation by a noble metal colloid-containing activator solution with a conductor solution, which comprises a metal that is reducible by a metal of the activator solution, a complexing agent and a reducing agent.

Abstract: An electrolytic composition for the deposition of a matt metal layer onto a substrate and deposition process where the composition comprises a source of metal from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, Re, Pt, Au, Bi, and combinations thereof; a substituted or unsubstituted polyalkylene oxide or its derivative as an emulsion and/or dispersion former; and a compound comprising fluorated or perfluorated hydrophobic chains or which is a polyalkylene oxide substituted quaternary ammonium compound as wetting agent; wherein the electrolytic composition forms a microemulsion and/or dispersion.

Abstract: An electrolytic composition for the deposition of a matt metal layer onto a substrate and deposition process where the composition comprises a source of metal from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, Re, Pt, Au, Bi, and combinations thereof; a substituted or unsubstituted polyalkylene oxide or its derivative as an emulsion and/or dispersion former; and a compound comprising fluorated or perfluorated hydrophobic chains or which is a polyalkylene oxide substituted quaternary ammonium compound as wetting agent; wherein the electrolytic composition forms a microemulsion and/or dispersion.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a metal substrate comprising a constituent metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Pb, Sn, Ni, Zn, in some cases Fe, and alloys of these metals. An anodic potential is applied to the metal surface in an electrolytic circuit comprising the metal surface, a cathode, and an electrolytic solution that is in contact with the metal surface and in electrically conductive communication with the cathode. The electrolytic solution may contain an electrolyte comprising anions of phosphate, phosphonate, phosphite, phosphinate, nitrate, borate, silicate, molybdate, tungstate, carboxylate, oxalate and combinations thereof. The anion may comprise a polymer having a pendent moiety selected from the group consisting of phosphate, phosphonate, phosphite, phosphinate, sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolyte as well as a method for the deposition of a matte metal layer on a substrate surface, where the matte metal layer is V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Re, Pt, Au, TI, Bi, or an alloy thereof, and there is a halogenide, sulphate, or sulfonate of an element of the group consisting of sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium, or boron to facilitate deposition of a smooth and even layer with much lower deposition metal requirements.

Abstract: An etching composition for non-conductive substrates such as polyester, polyether, polyimide, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, and polyamide, comprising a halogenide and/or nitrate of a metal selected from the group consisting of Na, Mg, Al, Si, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ca, Zn, and combinations thereof such as FeCl3, FeCl2, TiCl3, CaCl2, CuCl2, CrCl3, ZnCl2, MgCl2, MnCl2, and Cr(NO3)3; and a related method for etching.

Abstract: An electrolytic composition for the deposition of a matt metal layer onto a substrate and deposition process where the composition comprises a source of metal from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, Re, Pt, Au, Bi, and combinations thereof; a substituted or unsubstituted polyalkylene oxide or its derivative as an emulsion and/or dispersion former; and a compound comprising fluorated or perfluorated hydrophobic chains or which is a polyalkylene oxide substituted quaternary ammonium compound as wetting agent; wherein the electrolytic composition forms a microemulsion and/or dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the metallization of an electrically non-conductive substrate using a thiosulfate conductor which employs a thiosulfate-containing conductor solution further comprising an alkali metal ion selected from the group consisting of lithium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and combinations thereof.