Électroplage

Électroplage, also known as electroplating or electrodeposition, is an electrochemical process used to deposit a thin layer of metal onto a conductive object. This coating can serve various purposes, including enhancing the object's appearance, improving its corrosion resistance, increasing its hardness, or providing electrical conductivity. The process involves immersing the object to be plated, which acts as the cathode, in an electrolyte solution containing ions of the plating metal. An anode, often made of the same metal, is also placed in the solution. When an electric current is passed through the circuit, metal ions from the electrolyte are attracted to and deposited onto the cathode, forming a uniform coating. The thickness and quality of the electroplated layer can be controlled by adjusting factors such as current density, electrolyte composition, temperature, and plating time. Common metals used in electroplating include gold, silver, chromium, nickel, copper, and zinc. This technique is widely applied in industries ranging from automotive and electronics to jewelry and aerospace.