The effect on bright depositions in ZnCl
2-KCl baths of bulk pH with carboxylic acid as a buffer was studied by measurement of titration curves, Hull cell test and direct measurement of pH near the cathode using a micro-antimony electrode.
Of the carboxylic acids, acetic acid was found to be suitable as buffering agent in chloride baths. The range of current densities at which bright deposits were obtained was wider from baths with acetic acid than from ordinary baths with boric acid, when bulk pH was a little lower than the pK
a of acetic acid (=4.8). The pH near the cathode in baths of pH 4.0 containing acetic acid was maintained at less than 6 even at current densities far above the limiting current, whereas pH near the cathode in baths containing boric acid reached pH above 12 when the limiting current was exceeded.
It is concluded that, since none of precipitate of Zn(OH)
2 which impedes bright deposit occurs at a pH below 6, it is the buffer action of acetic acid that is responsible for the increase in the brightness range of current densities.
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