Physical-Mechanical Characterization Applied to the Adhesion of Electrolytic Metal Chromium Plating on Bus Rims Surfaces

Abstract

This experimental investigation evaluates the adherence of metal chromium plating on SAE-1026 cold-formed carbon steel surfaces for bus rims, the test-pieces were prepared in compliance with the ASTM-B456 standard regarding their size and surface. The study involves varying the parameters of the coating process, such as time, temperature and voltage, with the selection of critical tests that influence the adhesion of chromium plating such as: adhesion test where the strength with which the metallic coating is bonded to another surface was obtained based on ASTM D 3359-09, Vicker hardness test with the resistance that the material exhibits against permanent deformation established by ASTM B578-87, thickness test in the coating of metal substrates applying ASTM B456 and corrosion test by subjecting the surface to acetic salt mist (AASS) under strict preparation, cleaning and evaluation of ASTM G46-94. The optimal results discovered are 60 min. 40 °C and 7V in the nickel bath and 2min. 15 °C and 6V in chrome. In order to improve the results obtained from the experiments, the proposal is to cover with a layer of alkaline copper coating, reducing the anti-corrosion and adhesion properties.