Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis bath based on trivalent chromium.This bath is characterized in that it contains a trivalent chromium halide which is neither chelated by a chelating product of chromium nor accompanied by a special organic solvent.Due to simple operational characteristics, this bath makes it possible to obtain commercially interesting results since, with respect to the color, thickness and hardness of the deposits obtained, very close to those of conventional baths based on hexavalent chromium, this with the advantage, over the latter, of having a speed and a yield of deposit which are much greater and conditions of use which are less toxic and less polluting.

Abstract: A process for the electrolytic deposition of chromium by means of a bath of trivalent chromium is characterized in that it uses, as electrolyte, a solution which is obtained by careful reduction of the chromic acid in a sulfuric medium by an excess of a reducing agent of the alcohol type, such as methanol. Subsequently this solution is diluted with water without indispensable addition of additional products. The electrolysis is effected without separation of the anodic and cathodic compartments at an anode-cathode potential difference greater than 6 volts, the cathodic current density being of the order of 10 to 40 amperes per dm.sup.2, the concentration of trivalent chromium ranging from 0,1 to 1 ion-gram per liter and the pH from 1 to 1,5.