THE EVALUATION OF THE ELECTROLYTE CARRY-OVER FROM A PLATING BATH DURING ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSES ACCOMPANIED BY GAS EVOLUTION

The aerosol carry-over processes above a chromium-plating bath are stu died; the change in the aerosol quantity is estimated as a function of the current density, concentration, electrolyte temperature, and the height above the electrolyte level. To elucidate details of its format ion, gas evolution at the electrodes is investigated by means of photo micrography at current densities ranging from 15 to 100 A dm(-2). It i s shown that the aerosol is generated when bubbles at the electrolyte surface collapse, leading to formation and breaking up of a cumulative jet. The limiting size of bubbles that make up the aerosol is determi ned. An equation is proposed for calculating the substance loss at dif ferent electrolyte compositions and electrolysis conditions.