This specification establishes the requirements for electrodeposited palladium-nickel (Pd-Ni) coatings for engineering applications. Composite coatings consisting of palladium-nickel and a thin gold over-plate for applications involving electrical contacts are also covered. The classification system for the coatings covered here shall be specified by the basis metal, the thickness of the underplating, the composition type and thickness class of the palladium-nickel coating, and the grade of the gold overplating. Coatings should be sampled, tested, and conform to specified requirements as to purity, appearance, thickness, composition, adhesion, ductility, and integrity (including gross defects, mechanical damage, porosity, and microcracks). Alloy composition shall be examined either by wet method, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Auger or electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA), or wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS). Coating adhesion shall be analyzed either by bend, heat, or cutting test.

1.1 Composition—This specification covers requirements for electrodeposited palladium-nickel coatings containing between 70 and 95 mass % of palladium metal. Composite coatings consisting of palladium-nickel and a thin gold overplate for applications involving electrical contacts are also covered.

1.2 Properties—Palladium is the lightest and least noble of the platinum group metals. Palladium-nickel is a solid solution alloy of palladium and nickel. Electroplated palladium-nickel alloys have a density between 10 and 11.5, which is substantially less than electroplated gold (17.0 to 19.3) and comparable to electroplated pure palladium (10.5 to 11.8). This yields a greater volume or thickness of coating per unit mass and, consequently, some saving of metal weight. The hardness range of electrodeposited palladium-nickel compares favorably with electroplated noble metals and their alloys (1, 2).2

Note 1: Electroplated deposits generally have a lower density than their wrought metal counterparts.

Approximate Hardness (HK₂₅)

Gold

 50–250

Palladium

 75–600

Platinum

150–550

Palladium-Nickel

300–650

Rhodium

750–1100

Ruthenium

600–1300

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.