Deposition of Niobium
Question: I am interested in coating the inside of a waveguide with a thin layer of niobium (columbium) for cryogenic microwave experiments. We think that electroplating may be the best way. Can this element be deposited from a plating solution?
Share
Question:
I am interested in coating the inside of a waveguide with a thin layer of niobium (columbium) for cryogenic microwave experiments. We think that electroplating may be the best way. Can this element be deposited from a plating solution? P. M.
Answer:
Niobium cannot be deposited from aqueous solutions. Some early papers suggested that this could be done but apparently the process could not be repeated. Niobium has been deposited from fused molten fluorides in an argon atmosphere.
In the last number of years there has been many reports of using PVD (physical vapor deposition) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) to deposit niobium on various substrates. A quick search on the Internet came up with a large number of references. A number of companies can perform this process commercially and can be found by searching the Internet.
Related Content
-
Three Tips for Optimizing Surface Prep for Plating
By identifying oil slicks, performing in-line tests and observing tank appearance, many problems are solved regarding surface preparation in the plating process.
-
Successful South African Plater Beating the Odds
Remaining focused on quality and reliability, Team Plating Works stays profitable in a volatile and challenging economy.
-
3 Tests to Ensure Parts are Clean Prior to Plating
Making sure that all of the pre-processing fluids are removed prior to plating is not as simple as it seems. Rich Held of Haviland Products outlines three tests that can help verify that your parts are clean.
