Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.

Abstract: A process for forming a decorative chromium plating on a plastic substrate includes depositing an electrically conductive coating on the plastic substrate, electrodepositing on the electrically conductive coating a high leveling semi-bright nickel electroplate layer, electrodepositing on the high leveling semi-bright nickel electroplate layer a bright nickel electroplate layer, and electrodepositing over the bright nickel electroplate layer a chromium electroplate layer. An advantage of the process is that a lustrous decorative chromium plating having good corrosion resistance and thermal cycling characteristics is obtained without a copper sublayer, and while using relatively thin nickel sublayers.

Abstract: A process for controlling the micelle size distribution of an alkylene oxide dispersion in a nickel-plating electrolyte is used to maintain the electrolyte in a condition suitable for producing nickel coatings having a uniform satin finish in which finish characteristics such as roughness depth are maintained within desired limits. The process involves steps of removing a portion of the electrolyte from the electroplating bath, filtering the alkylene oxide from the electrolyte removed from the electroplating bath, adding alkylene oxide to the electroplating bath, and returning the filtered electrolyte to the electroplating bath. The process removes larger alkylene oxide micelles from the electrolyte and replaces them with smaller micelles to maintain a desired micelle size distribution.