Electrodeposition of Thin Films for Jewels and Fashion Accessories

Abstract

The interest in scientific research within the metal finishing sector is growing. The demand for durable metals and adaptable manufacturing processes is increasing across a wide range of applications, from aerospace and automotive to machinery and jewelry. An essential step in the production line is the surface engineering of metals, as this determines the final appearance and functionality of a product. Therein electroplating is recognized as a mature technology allowing the low-cost fabrication of defined surfaces with extensive property profiles. Galvanic electrodeposition accounts today for almost 40% of the global market value share with North America and Western Europe leading the scenery. Although technological and processing advancements occurred in the past forty years, industrial firms are still struggling to provide solutions to corrosion protection as well as the reduction of toxic wastes. Specifically, large-scale industrialization of electroplating techniques will continue to be limited by strict environmental regulations. Due to adverse ecological impacts, the adoption of plating processes involving toxic metals such as lead or cadmium is prohibited. Moreover, price volatility of the highly demanding electroplated materials gold, copper, and nickel is expected to impact the market share by more than 60% by 2026.In that respect, alloy plating offers better answers in terms of economic growth and environmental sustainability due to fine-tuning composition, morphology, and crystallinity [1]. Here, current trends in alloy electrodeposition research are reviewed highlighting open challenges and process innovations from an industrial perspective. The main categories of alloy compounds are presented and the most important properties of the manufacturing process are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to advances in industrial quality control and viable solutions for the reduction of precious metal content in electroplated accessories as well as the replacement of cyanide and nickel baths with non-toxic compounds.The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione A1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the project: “RAM-PVD” (CUP 3647.04032020.157000057_1225).