Statistical studies of Zn–Ni alloy coatings using Non-cyanide alkaline baths containing polyethyleneimine complexing agents

Abstract

This study has aimed to identify the significant factors that affect Ni% content during Zn–Ni (zinc–nickel) deposition. An experimental design methodology was applied to study the effects of polyethyleneimine compound complexing agents on Ni% content. Eleven factors were studied at two levels. To identify the effects and interactions of the main factors and optimise the process, a full 26−1 fractional factorial design was performed, and the results were analysed statistically. The results show that the main factors, presence of J (Lugalvan P) and B (Lupasol G 100) and the second order interactions, presence of EF (Lupasol WF*Lupasol HF), AH (Lupasol PS*Lugalvan FDC), BH (Lupasol G 100*Lugalvan FDC) and AK (Lupasol PS*Lutropur Q75) significantly affected the Ni% content deposited. Regression models for Ni% were developed, and the adequacy of the reduced model was examined. The results of this study indicate that fractional factorial design is a useful tool for screening a large number of variables and reducing the number of experiments.