nikkelistriikki

Nikkelistriikki, often referred to as nickel stripping, is a chemical process used to remove nickel plating from a substrate. This is typically done to repair defective plating, prepare a part for recoating, or to reclaim valuable nickel from scrap materials. The process involves immersing the nickel-plated object in a chemical solution that selectively dissolves the nickel layer without significantly affecting the underlying base metal.

The most common method for nikkelistriikki involves the use of acidic solutions. Nitric acid is frequently employed due to its effectiveness in dissolving nickel. Other acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, can also be used, sometimes in combination with oxidizing agents or other additives to control the stripping rate and prevent damage to the base material. The concentration of the acid, the temperature of the solution, and the immersion time are critical parameters that must be carefully controlled to achieve optimal results.

Electrolytic stripping is another method. In this process, the nickel-plated part is made the anode in an electrolytic cell containing an appropriate electrolyte. When current is applied, the nickel dissolves anodically. This method can be more controlled and may be preferred for certain applications or materials.

Safety precautions are essential when performing nikkelistriikki due to the corrosive nature of the chemicals involved. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and handling procedures are necessary to protect workers and the environment. Disposal of the spent stripping solutions must also be managed responsibly according to environmental regulations.