BRONZEX® WJ-SP

Organically brightened, heavy metal free white bronze process for rack plating

INTRODUCTION

BRONZEX WJ-SP is an alkaline, cyanide electroplating process for rack applications, with a new fully
organic brightening system, producing a whi te bronze ternary alloy (copper-tin-zinc) deposit.
The deposit obtained with BRONZEX WJ-SP process is very white, bright, hard and analergenic. It has a
good corrosion and wear resistance, as well as a good solderability. It does not contain any heavy metal nor
toxic material (such as lead) and complies with RoHS regulation and with the öKO-TEX 100, class 1
specification.
The deposit can be used as topcoat or undercoat to palladium, gold and other precious metals.
BRONZEX WJ-SP eliminates allergy problems encountered with nickel plating and is therefore ideally suited
for nickel free applications in the decorative field, but can also be used for technical applications such as
connectors.

DEPOSIT CHARACTERISTICS

Copper % 50 - 55
Tin % 28 – 32
Zinc % 15 – 20
Hardness (HV0.05) 450 – 500
3
Specific gravity (g/cm ) 8.2 – 8.5

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Product Name Code Delivery form Use

BRONZEX WJ-SP MAKE UP 8610910 Liquid Make up
BRONZEX WJ-SP R 8610920 Liquid Replenishment
BRIGHTENER SW 8610880 Liquid Make up and Replenishment
ATC SOLUTION N°10 8742000 Liquid Make up and Replenishment
Potassium Cyanide DIN 50971 4039E Solid Make up and Replenishment
Potassium hydroxide CP,pellets 7006O Solid Make up and Replenishment
Copper (I) Cyanide (approx 70% Cu) 2019O Solid Make up and Replenishment
Zinc (II) cyanide CP 2068O Solid Make up and Replenishment

Additives for exceptional use :

BRONZEX Tin complex 100 G/L Sn 8610120 liquid Correction of tin concentration in
the bath
BRONZEX Additive Z 50 G/L Zn 8610790 Liquid Correction of zinc concentration in
the bath
COPPER COMPLEX 8763600 Liquid Correction of copper concentration
in the bath
BRONZEX Additive C 8610296 Liquid Increase of electrolyte conductivity

Issued: 10 Dec 2008

Spsds: 6 Dec 2005
 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 2 of 8

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Tank

Polypropylene, PVC or high-density polythene supported externally, equipped with a good exhaust system to
collect cyanide fumes, must be used.

Rectifier

A standard CDC power supply, with less than 5% ripple and with an ampere output capacity sufficient to meet
the requirem ents of the plating operation is required. The unit should be equipped with a voltmeter,
amperemeter and stepless control for accurate regulation of the current. Use of an ampere-minute-meter is
strongly recommended.

Filtration

The solution must be fil tered continuously through (preferably 5 microns and at least 10 microns)
polypropylene cartridges to maintain clarity. They should be soaked for some hours in 10% potassium
hydroxide at 60°C and then rinsed well in running water, then DI water.
The filtration pump will have a flow rate of 5 volumes of bath per hour to insure a good filtration and agitation
of the bath.

Agitation

Mechanical agitation of the pieces together with the solution agitation by means of the filter pump ensures
uniformity of deposits.

Temperature

The solution temperature should be maintained in the range of 60 to 64 °C with thermostatic control.
Immersion heaters such as porcelain, titanium or PTFE may be used.

Anodes

Insoluble anodes, preferably Titanium coated with iridium oxides (without tantalum), or new graphite anodes
should be used. The anodes should cover completely the 2 walls of the tank, at each side of the barrel. The
anodes will have an area sufficient to provide a maximum anod ic current density of 1 A/dm².
It is recommended to deep the graphite anodes for some hours in a solution containing 30 g/L KCN + 15 g/L
KOH + 1 mL/L ATC Solution N°10 at 50°C. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly the anodes in DI.

NOTE 1: Never use graphite anodes that have been in use in any other kind of plating solutions: the graphite
material can adsorb organic breakdown products generated during electrolysis and may cause
organic contamination of the bath. In such a case, carbon treat the bath (see Paragraph Carbon
treatment p6) and clean the graphite anodes as mentioned above.

NOTE 2: do not use platinized titanium anodes.

 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 3 of 8

INITIAL MAKE-UP OF THE SOLUTION

The BRONZEX WJ-SP process is supplied as a BRONZEX WJ-SP Make-up concentrate; 40 L of BRONZEX
WJ-SP Make Up are necessary to make up 100 L of bath.
It does not contain ATC Solution N°10 nor Brightener SW.
CAUTION: Please read material safety data sheets carefully before using this product , as the bath contains toxic
cyanide and caustic alkali.

Make-up of 100L BRONZEX WJ-SP solution

1. Leach the plating tank and filter pump with a solution of 2 % potassium hydroxide and 2 % sodium
phosphate at 50°C for 2 hours.
2. Thoroughly rinse the tank and the pump with water and finally with DI water.
3. In an auxiliary tank, heat 40 L DI water at 35°C. Then, dissolve respectively:
7.5 kg Potassium cyanide (KCN)
1.97 kg Copper cyanide (CuCN)
0.72 kg Zinc cyanide (Zn(CN)2)
4. After complete dissolution, if the solution is not completely clear and colourless, due to improper quality
of the raw materials used, or if there is any doubt about the quality of the raw materials used, maintain
temperature of the solution at 50°C and carbon treat the solution (see Paragraph “Carbon treatment” p6)
then filter the solution into the working tank.
5. Add 40 L BRONZEX WJ-SP make -up and mix.
6. Adjust final volume to 100 L with DI water.
7. Control the free KOH and free KCN and adjust if necessary.
8. Analyse the metals contents in the bath and adjust if necessary to optimum operating conditions.
9. Adjust the temperature at 62°C.
10. Dummy plate for 1 -2 hours at 0.2-0.5 A/dm².
11. Add 1.5 mL/L ATC Solution N°10 and 2 mL/L of Brightener SW.

THE SOLUTION IS THEN READY FOR USE.

OPERATING CONDITIONS

OPTIMUM TOLERANCE
Copper metal content [g/L] 14 13-15
Tin metal content [g/L] 20 17-21
Zinc metal content [g/L ] 4.0 3.6-4 .4
Free cyanide content [g/L] 55 52-60
Free KOH content [g/L ] 19 16-22
Ratio KCN:Cu 3.9 3.7-4 .1
Ratio Cu: Sn 0.7 0.65-0.75
Ratio KOH:Sn 0.95 0.8-1.1
3
Density of the solution at 20 °C [g/cm ] 1.151 1.151-1.283
(19 °Bé) (19-32+ °Bé)
pH value at 20°C 13.3 13.1-13.5
Temperature [°C] 62 60-64
Cathodic current density [A/dm²] 1.5 1.0-2.0
Anodic current density [A/dm²] <1
Current load in the bath [A/L ] <0.6
Cathodic efficiency [g/Ah] 1.4 1.3-1.5
Time to deposit 1 micron
- At 1 A/dm²: 3’30’’
- At 1.5 A/dm² 2’20’’
- at 2 A/dm² 1’45’’
 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 4 of 8

MAINTENANCE OF THE SOLUTION

To maintain the bath, following products are required:

• Copper cyanide,
• Zinc Cyanide,
• Potassium Cyanide,
• Potassium Hydroxide,
Note: Insure to use chemically pure quality for the above mentioned materials in order to avoid any bath
contamination
• BRONZEX WJ-SP R
• Brightener SW
• ATC solution N° 10

The following additives are for exceptional use only:

• BRONZEX Additive C
• BRONZEX Additive Z 50 G/L Zn
• BRONZEX Tin complex 100 G/L Sn
• COPPER COMPLEX

The volume of the bath is maintained by adding DI water.

Under the recommended operating conditions, the process BRONZEX WJ-SP consumes 100 g of alloy
every 72 Ah and the bath needs to be replenished as follow:

- 78 g CuCN
- 36 g Zn(CN)2
- 130 g KCN
- 1 unit = 500mL BRONZEX WJ-SP R
- 250 ml BRIGHTENER SW

We recommend to replenish the electrolyte continuously, as well as to analyse it frequently in order to

maintain it at the optimum operating conditions.

Note 1: Dosing pumps for the replenishment of the liquid additives are recommended.

Note 2: after an idle period, it is generally necessary to add 1-2 mL/L Brightener SW and 0.2-0.5 mL/L ATC
SOLUTION N°10.

CORRECTION OF PH-VALUE

The pH value of the bath tends to decrease during production and during idle periods. To maintain it at 13.1 –
13.5 , (always measured at 20°C), proceed as follow:
• To decrease the pH value, use a solution at 30% phosphoric or acetic acid reagent grade, with good
agitation of the bath and insure a good extraction of toxic HCN fumes.
• To increase the pH value, use a solution at 40% KOH, or KOH in pellets. (1 g/L KOH will increase the
pH value of approximately 0.1).

Note:
To measure the pH of the bath, use only a specific el ectrode suitable for strongly alkaline solutions,
calibrated with pH buffer solutions of 10 and 13 in order to avoid wrong results.
Analyse KOH and adjust to 1 6 - 22 g/L. Use the analytical method described below (cf paragraph
“Analysis of the bath” p 7).
After correction of the pH, it is recommended to let the bath stabilise during 30 minutes before use.
 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 5 of 8

CONTROL OF IMPURITIES

Metallic impurities

The bath is very sensitive to Nickel (15mg/L) and Chromium contamination, generally introduced by stainless
steel anodes or by prior plating processes.
Good rinsing of the pieces before plating in Bronzex WJ-SP is important to preserve the bath from
contamination.

Organic impurities

Organic impurities give generally hazy, heterogeneous deposits, if all the parameters of the bath are correct.
Treat the bath at 60°C with 2 to 4 g/L active carbon NORIT, type Darco G -60, in an auxiliary tank, during 30
minutes under vigorous agitation, and then filter back the bath carefully to the plating tank.
If the contamination is not very important, the treatment of the bath through carbon cartridges during one or
two days can be effective.
Check the bath in Hull cell (see Paragraph “Use of the Hull cell” p6); if necessary, add 0.5 to 2 mL/L
Brightener SW and 0.3 to 1 mL/L ATC Solution N°10.
Then, correct the bath accordingly.
If graphite anodes are used, remove them from the tank during carbon treatment, and treat as described
under paragraph “Anodes” p2.

VARIATION OF PARAMET ERS

Current density

• Too low: risk of yellowish deposit in lcd; can be overcome by addition of 2g/L KCN.
• Too high: yellow, hazy at hcd.

PH value

• Too low: risk of white hazes in mcd and hcd. Part of tin can precipitate in the bath. Increase the pH value
to 13.3 (at 20°C) using a solution of KOH at 40% or KOH in pellets.
• Too high : the deposit is more yellow in the high current densities. See correction of pH and adjust at 13.3
(at 20°C) using phosphoric or acetic acid at 30%. Add acid by small quantities with vigorous agitation of
the bath and good exhaust for fumes (production of HCN). Analyse KOH and adjust to 1 6– 22 g /L.

Temperature

• Too low: yellow deposit, non uniform c olour. Decrease of efficiency and of rate of deposition.
• Too high: non uniform colour in lcd; higher consumption of KCN and free KOH.

Ratio KCN/Cu

• Too high (>3.9): deposit may be hazy at high current density.

• Too low (< 3.9): non uniform colour, white and yellow. Adjust by adding 2 g/L KCN at a time, to restore the
uniform white colour.
 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 6 of 8

ATC SOLUTION N°10

A lack of ATC Solution N°10 can produce matt deposits, hazes and black stains. Add 0.3 to 1 mL/L. This
happens sometimes after idle periods of the bath and when graphite anodes are used. A high anodic current
density leads also to higher consumption of ATC Solution N°10.
An excess of ATC Solution N°10 will not affect the deposit quality, but can produce too much foam during
plating, mainly if the barrel is not completely immersed in the bath. The excess can be removed by filtration
through carbon cartridges.

BRIGHTENER SW

A lack of brightener produces hazes, non-uniform deposits, and sometimes black stains.
Control first the free KOH content of the bath and adjust to optimum. If the defect remains, add 0.5 to 1 mL/L
of Brightener SW.
An excess of brightener will not affect the deposit quality, but can reduce the plating rate. Stop one or two
replenishments, or if a great excess, treat the bath on active carbon to remove the excess, and then control
the deposit in Hull cell.

BRONZEX ADDITIVE Z 50 G/L ZN

It is used to adjust the zinc content in the bath. It contains 50 g/L Zinc.
A lack of zinc gets non -uniform, grey deposits and poor brightness.

BRONZE X Tin Complex 100 G/L SN

It is used to adjust the tin content in the bath. It contains 100 g/L Tin.
A lack of tin and high pH gets yellow deposits at normal current density.

COPPER COMPLEX

It is used to adjust the copper content in the bath. It contains 100g/L Copper.

BRONZEX ADDITIVE C

It is used to increase the bath conductivity and to restore deposit brightness and uniformity. Make additions of
10 mL/L of bath. Analysis can be made on demand.

Density of the solution

When the density of the bath is high, the bath turns turbid, due to excess of carbonates, and the deposit can
become less bright. Above 1.283 (32°Bé), it is recommended to change or dilute the bath.

CARBON TREATMENT

Continuous filtration through carbon cartridges is not recommended as the organic brightening system would
be removed. In case of organic contamination, carry out a tank to tank carbon treatment (See paragraph
“Organic impurities” p5 ).

USE OF THE HULL CELL

Use a recommended anode and polished brass panel.

Operate at 62°C, 1 A, during 5 min.
Agitation of the bath: medium.
Aspect of the panel: white and bright in the full range.
Slight yellow haze can be observed at high current density.
Back of the panel is white, uniform, without black stains .
NOTE: Temperature must be maintained at 62°C, using a water bath or Hull Cell equipped with a heating
system.
 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 7 of 8

ANALYSIS OF THE BATH

Methods are available through the technical service of ENTHONE.

Copper, Tin and Zinc can be analysed by AAS or ICP.
KCN, KOH and carbonates can be analysed by volumetric titration.

Free KCN

Pipette 2 mL of bath into a 250 ml Erlenmeyer.

Add 100 mL DI water
Add 10 mL potassium iodide at 10%
Titrate with AgNO 3 0,1N until the solution is turbid.
Notice the volume of AgNO3 0,1N used: V mL.

Calculati on:

g/L KCN = Vml x 6.5

Free KOH

Equipment

Use a pH meter with a specific electrode suitable to measure pH of strong alkaline solutions (>12).
Calibrate the pH meter with standard buffer solutions of 10 and 13.

Analysis (proceed under a hood)

Pipette 10 mL of bath at 20°C into a beaker of 50 mL. Immerse the electrode.

The pH value of the bath at 20°C should be 13.7.
Titrate very slowly (drop by drop), with good agitation of the sample, using a titrated solution of HCl 1N or
H 2SO 4 1N, until the pH value is 11.1.
Read the volume of acid used: V mL.

Calculation:

g/L KOH = V mL x 5,6

Cu, Zn, Sn analysis by AAS (using air and acetylene)

1- Pipette 1 mL bath into a volumetric flask of 100 mL. Add 5 mL HCl concentrated and agitate the
solution. Complete to the final volume with distilled water and mix well. The solution must be clear,
without any precipitate.
2- Make the dilutions as usually from this base to analyse the 3 metals.
3- Use the acid standards for Cu, Sn and Zn.

This method decreases the interference of KCN and KOH, and results are more accurate for tin, Zn and
Cu.

NOTE: on aged bath, we recommend to heat the bath sample at 60°C for 1 hour before starting the
analysis, in order to dissolve the zinc crystals which tend to form at room temperature.

EFFLUENT CONTROL

Effluents must be treated according to local regulations.

 BRONZEX® WJ -SP
Technical data sheet
Page 8 of 8

HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: the bath contains highly toxic cyanide and caustic alkali. Use an exhaust system for the bath and
appropriate safety equipment to handle the process (gloves, safety glasses etc…). The current regulations for
the prevention of accidents and the safety hints must be observed.
For detailed information consult the material safety data sheets for this product.
Please read material safety data sheets carefully before using this product.

DISCLAIMER

All recommendations and suggestions in this bulletin concerning the use of our products are based upon tests
and data believed to be reliable. Since the actual use by others is beyond our control, no guarantee expressed
or implied, is made by Enthone, its subsidiaries of distributors, as to the effects of such use or results to be
obtained, nor is any information to be construed as a recommendation to infringe any patent.

 Registered Trademark licensed from Enthone Inc.

ADDRESSES

AUSTRIA BENELUX CZECH REPUBLIC

Enthone GmbH Enthone B.V. Enthone s.r.o.
Triesterstrasse 14 / 306 Koenendelseweg 29 Bohunická 67
2351 Wiener Neudorf, Austria 5222 BG ‘s- Hertogenbosch 619 00 Brno – Horní Heršpice, Czech Republic
Tel.: 43- 2236205090 The Netherlands Tel.: 420- 547210186
Fax.: 43- 2236205170 Tel.: 31- 736280111/Fax: 31-736219283 Fax: 420- 547120201
[Link]@[Link] salesservice@[Link] [Link]@[Link]

FRANCE GERMANY HUNGARY

Enthone S.A.S. Enthone GmbH Enthone KFT
Rue Léon Jouha ux Elisabeth- Selbert- Strasse 4 Jedlik Á nyos u.2.
Croissy- Beaubourg 40764 Langenfeld, Germany 2330 Dunaharaszti, (Iparterület), Hungary
77312 Marne la Vallée, France Tel.: 49- 21738490 - 0 Tel.: 36- 24460- 566
Tel.: 33- 160059360/Fax:33- 143026784 Fax: 49- 21738490- 200 Fax: 36- 24460- 577
[Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link]

ITALY POLAND PORTUGAL

Enthone S.r.l. Enthone Sp.z.o.o. Enthone Portugal Lda.
Via Riccardo Lombardi 19/21 U1 Obuwnicza 3 Rua Bouca dos Estilhadouros 271
20153 Milano, Italy 26- 110 Skarzysko - Kamienna 4445- 044 Alfena, Portugal
Tel.: 39- 0248922201 Poland Tel .: 351- 229686620
Fax: 39- 0248919173 Tel:48- 412521523/fax: 48- 412521574 Fax: 351- 229686623
[Link]@[Link] [Link] [Link]@[Link]

ROMANIA SLOVAKIA SPAIN

Enthone S.R.L. Enthone s.r.o. Enthone España S.A.
Bd. Luliu Maniu Nr. 181 A, Sulina Str. 7 Vrbovska 2511/19 Avinguda de la Riera 36

01/08 © 2008 copyright Enthone Inc. All rights reserved. Covered

RO- 300516 Tmisoara 921 01 Piestany 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcel ona
Romania Slovakia Espana
Tel.: 40214934177 Tel: 421337744486 Tel.: 34- 934803388

® registered trademark and TM trademark of Enthone Inc.

Fax: 40214934176 Fax: 421337744486 Fax:34- 934803389
[Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link]

SWEDEN TURKEY UNITED KINGDOM

Enthone AB Enthone Galvanoplasti Sanayi Ticaret A.S. Enthone Ltd
Box 6109 Boya ve vernik organize sanayi bolgesi Forsyth Road, Sheerwater, Woking
60006 Norrköping, Sweden Aydinli mahallesi tem yanyol cd Surrey GU21 5RZ, England
by patent rights issue and for pending

Tel.: 46- 11240600 [Link] [Link] 7 Tuzla 34950 Istanbul Tel.: 44- 1483758400
Fax: 46- 11126833 Turkey Fax: 44- 1483728837
[Link]@[Link] Tel.: 90- 2126710384/Fax: 90- 2126710388 [Link]@[Link]
[Link]@[Link]

ISRAEL
AMZA Ltd.
PO Box 3068
Petach Tikva 49513
ISRAEL
Tel.: 972- 3-7212777
Fax.: 972- 3- 9212187
office@[Link]