A comparison of the effects of sodium arsenite and sodium arsenoacetate upon the behaviour of a cyanide brass plating solution

Abstract

The effects of 1 X 10^-2 mM additions of sodium arsenite and sodium arsenoacetate upon a brass plating solution have been studied. The arsenoacetate was found to be a better brightening agent than the arsenite.

Potential-current density curve studies showed that the arsenide decreased cathodic polarisation but that the arsenoacetate increased polarisation. Both additions led to modifications of the structure of the deposited brass and to increases in its hardness. The colour of deposits obtained using sodium arsenoacetate additions varied considerably with deposit thickness.