Black Ruthenium Electrolyte – Ready-to-Use Black Ruthenium Plating Solution (5.0 g/L Ru)
€248.00
Available, delivery time: 1-2 days
Product information "Black Ruthenium Electrolyte – Ready-to-Use Black Ruthenium Plating Solution (5.0 g/L Ru)"
Black Ruthenium Electrolyte – Black Ruthenium Plating for Bath and Brush Plating
Deep Black, Decorative Ruthenium Coatings
The Black Ruthenium Electrolyte from Betzmann Galvanik produces high-quality, dark grey to deep black ruthenium coatings. The electrolyte provides a decorative finish with good colour consistency and gloss-retaining properties.
The electrolyte is particularly suitable for brush plating and pen plating when used at approximately 4 V and 35 °C. Under these conditions, an intense black ruthenium deposit can be achieved.
The electrolyte is supplied ready to use and is suitable for decorative surface finishing applications where a dark, elegant metallic appearance is desired.
Key Benefits
Intense black ruthenium coatings
Dark grey to deep black finishes
Particularly suitable for brush and pen plating
Good colour consistency
Gloss-retaining properties
Ready-to-use electrolyte
Ideal for decorative surface finishing
Applications
The Black Ruthenium Electrolyte is suitable for the decorative plating of compatible metallic surfaces. The final colour and coating adhesion depend largely on the base material, surface preparation and intermediate layer used.
For base metals and silver, a suitable intermediate layer is strongly recommended. Palladium or gold plating is recommended as an intermediate layer.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ruthenium content | 5.0 g/L Ru |
| pH value | Approx. 1 |
| Density | Approx. 12 g/cm³ |
| Supply form | Ready to use |
| Deposit colour | Dark grey to black |
| Coating hardness | Approx. 800 HV |
| Maximum coating thickness | Approx. 0.2–0.5 µm |
| Deposition rate by thickness | Approx. 0.02 µm/min at 1.5 A/dm² |
| Deposition rate by mass | Approx. 1–3 mg/Amin |
Brush and Pen Plating
For brush plating and pen plating, the following operating conditions are recommended as starting values:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | Approx. 4 V |
| Temperature | Approx. 35 °C |
| Electrode material | Platinum or graphite |
| Deposit colour | Black under suitable operating conditions |
These values are guidelines. The actual result depends on the power supply, applicator material, contact pressure, movement speed, plating time and surface preparation. Moving the applicator evenly across the surface helps achieve a uniform deposit.
Bath Plating
The electrolyte can also be used for conventional bath plating. Different operating parameters apply compared with brush and pen plating.
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 2.2–3.0 V |
| Bath temperature | 60–70 °C; approx. 65 °C recommended |
| Plating time | Approx. 2–4 minutes |
| Current density | 0.5–3.0 A/dm² |
| Anode material | Mixed-metal-oxide anodes or platinised titanium |
| Anode-to-cathode surface area ratio | Approx. 1:1 |
| Workpiece movement | Required |
| Bath filtration | Recommended for bath volumes of 10 litres or more |
These parameters are guidelines for bath plating and must not be transferred directly to brush or pen plating.
Important Surface Preparation Instructions
Proper surface preparation is essential for coating adhesion and a uniform black finish.
Preparing Palladium or Gold Intermediate Layers
If the workpiece has already been plated with palladium or gold, the intermediate layer must be thoroughly activated by pickling before ruthenium plating.
Pickle the palladium or gold surface using 10% sulphuric acid, provided the treatment is compatible with the specific substrate and intermediate layer.
Thoroughly rub the surface during the treatment to remove surface films and help ensure a clean, active surface.
Rinse thoroughly after pickling and proceed with ruthenium plating without unnecessary delay to minimise recontamination or repassivation.
Important: The pickling procedure must be suitable for the particular base material and intermediate layer. Always follow appropriate chemical safety precautions when handling sulphuric acid. Never mix acids with plating electrolytes or other chemicals.
Insufficient activation can lead to poor adhesion, staining or an uneven black finish.
Betzmann Galvanik – Your Partner in Electroplating Technology
Betzmann Galvanik provides high-quality electroplating products and practical solutions for decorative and functional surface finishing.
Whether you work with conventional bath plating or local brush and pen plating, proper surface preparation and suitable process parameters are essential for achieving high-quality ruthenium coatings.
Hazard statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P305 IF IN EYES: P351 Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P338 Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P313 Get medical advice/attention.
HS Code 38249970