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Black Ruthenium Electrolyte – Ready-to-Use Black Ruthenium Plating Solution (5.0 g/L Ru)

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

PropertyValue
Ruthenium content5.0 g/L Ru
pH valueApprox. 1
DensityApprox. 12 g/cm³
Supply formReady to use
Deposit colourDark grey to black
Coating hardnessApprox. 800 HV
Maximum coating thicknessApprox. 0.2–0.5 µm
Deposition rate by thicknessApprox. 0.02 µm/min at 1.5 A/dm²
Deposition rate by massApprox. 1–3 mg/Amin

Brush and Pen Plating

For brush plating and pen plating, the following operating conditions are recommended as starting values:

ParameterRecommended value
VoltageApprox. 4 V
TemperatureApprox. 35 °C
Electrode materialPlatinum or graphite
Deposit colourBlack 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.

ParameterRecommended value
Voltage2.2–3.0 V
Bath temperature60–70 °C; approx. 65 °C recommended
Plating timeApprox. 2–4 minutes
Current density0.5–3.0 A/dm²
Anode materialMixed-metal-oxide anodes or platinised titanium
Anode-to-cathode surface area ratioApprox. 1:1
Workpiece movementRequired
Bath filtrationRecommended 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.



Ghs05-klein
Ghs05-klein

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

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