This specification establishes the requirements for electrodeposited palladium coatings for use in engineering applications. This specification also covers composite coatings of palladium with a thin gold overplate for applications involving electrical contacts. The plating system shall indicate the basis metal involved, thickness of the underplates, thickness of the palladium coating, and grade of the gold overplate. Coatings shall be sampled, tested, and conform accordingly to specified requirements as to purity, appearance, thickness, dutility, adhesion (to be examined either by bend, heat, or cutting test), and integrity (gross defects, mechanical damage, and porosity).

1.1 Purity -This specification covers requirements for electrodeposited palladium coatings containing at least 99.7 mass % of palladium metal.

1.2 Properties -Palladium is the lightest and least noble of the platinum group metals. It has a specific gravity of 12.0, which is substantially less than gold (19.3) and platinum (21.5). This yields a greater volume or thickness of coating and, consequently, some saving of metal weight accompanied by a small sacrifice in corrosion resistance and reflectivity. The hardness range of electrodeposited palladium compares favorably with the other electroplated noble metals and their alloys.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are the preferred values. Values provided in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 The following hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods section of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.