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Corrosion Chemistry in Electrical Materials

The document discusses the chemistry of corrosion and electrode systems, focusing on the processes of corrosion, types of corrosion, and methods for corrosion control. It explains electrochemical corrosion mechanisms, differential metal corrosion, and various corrosion types such as pitting and waterline corrosion. Additionally, it covers corrosion control techniques including metal coating, anodization, and the calculation of corrosion penetration rates.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views16 pages

Corrosion Chemistry in Electrical Materials

The document discusses the chemistry of corrosion and electrode systems, focusing on the processes of corrosion, types of corrosion, and methods for corrosion control. It explains electrochemical corrosion mechanisms, differential metal corrosion, and various corrosion types such as pitting and waterline corrosion. Additionally, it covers corrosion control techniques including metal coating, anodization, and the calculation of corrosion penetration rates.

Uploaded by

academiaesh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Chemistry of Electrical and Electronic Materials

Stream: EE (Common to EC, EE, &ET Programs)


I / II SEMESTER
Course Code: 1BCHEE102/202

DAYANANDA SAGAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING


Accredited by National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) with ’A’ Grade
(An Autonomous Institution affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi &
ISO 9001:2015 Certified)

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
SHAVIGE MALLESWARA HILLS, KUMARASWAMY LAYOUT
BENGALURU-560111

2025-26

1
Department of Chemistry
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering
Module 2

Corrosion and Electrode system


Corrosion Chemistry:
Introduction: Corrosion is a naturally occurring process that involves the gradual degradation of
materials, particularly metals, through chemical or electrochemical interactions with their
environment. It represents a significant challenge across industries such as construction, transportation,
energy, and infrastructure, where material durability and reliability are critical. Understanding these
processes is essential for preventing material damage, improving durability, and designing protective
methods such as coatings, inhibitors, and corrosion-resistant alloys.
Definition: The destruction/deterioration of metals/alloys by the surrounding environment through
chemical/electrochemical changes is known as corrosion.
• The process of corrosion is transformation of pure metal into its undesired metallic compounds.
• Corrosion can be a fast/slow process depending upon the nature metal and the environment where
metal undergo corrosion.
Examples
[Link] of iron-Reddish brown color-Fe2O3.3H2O
[Link] color scale on copper –CuCO3+Cu(OH)2
Types of corrosion
[Link] or direct chemical corrosion: Corrosion is due to direct chemical reaction between metal and
gases such as HCl, H2S, SO2, Cl2, F2, NH3 etc. present in environment in the absence of moisture or
conducting medium.
[Link] or electrochemical theory of corrosion: Metal undergo corrosion in the presence of moisture
or conducting medium.

Electrochemical Theory of Corrosion


Metal undergo corrosion in the presence of moisture/conducting medium. It is known as
wet/electrochemical corrosion. “corrosion of metals takes place due to formation of anodic and
cathodic regions on the same metal surface/when two different metals are in contact with each other in
the presence of conducting medium”. Corrosion current-flow of electron from anode to cathode
Corrosion product deposit between anode and cathode
 Anodic region-Oxidation
 Cathodic region- Reduction

Corrosion reactions
a) Anodic reaction- At the anodic area, oxidation take place, resulting in the corrosion of iron

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1. Anode - M → Mn+ + ne-
Example: Fe → Fe2+ +2e-
2. At cathode- It’s depends on corrosion environment
Types of cathodic reactions
a. Liberation of hydrogen
(i) In Acidic medium- 2H+ +2e- → H2
(ii) In neutral/alkaline medium- 2H2O +2e-→ 2OH- + H2
b. Absorption of oxygen
(i) In Acidic medium- 2H+ + ½ O2 +2e- → H2O
(ii) In neutral/alkaline medium - H2O + ½ O2 +2e- →2OH-
Rust Formation
(i) In the presence of excess oxygen
Fe2+ + 2OH- → Fe(OH)2
2Fe(OH)2 + ½O2 + H2O →Fe2O3.3H2O (Reddish brown)
(ii) In the presence of limited oxygen
3Fe(OH)2 + ½O2 →Fe3O4.3H2O (Black colour)

Types of corrosion
According to electrochemical theory, corrosion occurs due to the formation of large number of
galvanic cells on the surface of the metal. A galvanic cell is formed, when there is a difference in
potential between the regions across the metal surface. It can happen in different ways.
1. Differential metal corrosion
When two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in a corrosive conducting medium. The two
metals differ in their tendencies to undergo oxidation; the one with lower electrode potential or the
more active metal acts as anode and the one with higher electrode potential or the less active metal act
as cathode the potential difference between the two metals is the cause corrosion. The anodic metal
under goes corrosion and the cathodic metal is protected from corrosion.
When two metals Fe and Cu are in contact: Since iron has lower reduction potential compared to Cu,
iron undergoes corrosion and Cu is protected.

Anodic reaction Cathodic reaction


Fe Fe 2+ + 2e- O2 + 2H2O + 4e- 4OH-
When two metals Zn and Fe are in contact: Since Zinc has lower reduction potential compared to Fe,
Zn undergoes corrosion and Fe is protected.

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Anodic reaction Cathodic reaction


2+ -
Zn Zn + 2e O2 + 2H2O + 4e- 4OH-
Example: 1. Steel pipe connected to copper.
2. Zinc coating on mild steel.
3. Tin coating on copper vessels.

2. Differential aeration Corrosion


Corrosion of a metal due to difference in air or oxygen concentration on its surface is called
differential aeration corrosion. When a metal is exposedto different oxygen concentration. The part of
the metal exposed to higher oxygen concentration acts as cathodic region and the part of the metal
exposed to lower oxygen concentration acts as an anodic region. Consequently, the poor
oxygenated region undergoes corrosion. The reactions may be represented as follows:

More Aerated

Less Aerated

Reactions
At anode : Fe → Fe2+ + 2 e- (oxidation)
At cathode : 1/2 O2 + H2O + 2 e- →2 OH- ( Reduction)
Fe2+ + 2 OH- → Fe(OH)2
2Fe (OH)2 + 1/2 O2 + H2O → Fe2O3+ 3 H2O→ Fe2O3.3 H2O(rust)
Example
1. Windows rods inside the frame suffer corrosion but not the exposed region.
2. Paper pins inside the paper gets corroded, and the exposed part is free from corrosion.

2a. Water-line corrosion


It is the differential aeration corrosion observed in iron or steel partially in contact with water. Usually
observed in water storage tanks, ship water lifting pipes etc. The portion under water will be exposed to
less concentration of oxygen and will act as the anode and undergo corrosion while the portion above
water act as cathode and will remain unaffected. The extent of corrosion will be maximum just below
the waterline and hence is called waterline corrosion. For example in water storage tank the metal tank
part inside water level exposed only to dissolved oxygen get corroded (anode) while the part above
water line is exposed to higher oxygen concentration is protected (cathode).

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Fig: Water line corrosion


2b. Pitting corrosion
It occurs when small particles of dust, water drop on metal surface or breakdown of protective film. A
typical pitting corrosion is illustrated as shown in figure. The metal portion covered by dust act as
anode due to less oxygenated and undergoes corrosion beneath the dust forming a pit. The metal part
free from dust exposed to higher oxygen concentration become cathode and protected from corrosion.
The corrosion rate is higher in this case due to small anode area and large cathode area. All the
electrons liberated at anode (pit) are absorbed by large cathode area for reduction reaction.

Fig : Pitting Corrosion


Corrosion control
According to electrochemical theory, corrosion occurs due to the oxidation and reductions reactions at
the anodic and cathodic areas. These reactions occur simultaneously and are interdependent. So by
decreasing the rate of any of these reactions or by preventing any one reaction, the rate of corrosion can
be decreased. The methods used to control corrosion are:
1. Metal Coating
a) Anodic Metal Coating: Galvanisation
b) Cathodic Metal Coating: Tinning
2. Cathodic protection- Sacrificial Anode Method
3. Anodization
4. Corrosion inhibitors

1. Metal Coating
a) Anodic Metal Coating: Galvanisation: Anodic metal coatings are coatings which are
anodic to base metals. Example are Al, Zn etc. These metals are above the Fe in the galvanic series and
undergo corrosion thereby protecting Fe. A characteristics feature of anodic coating is that the base
metal on which the coating is done will not get corroded even if the coating peals off. This is due to

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formation of large anodic area and small cathodic areas.
Example: Galvanisation: It is a process of coating Zn over the surface of iron. The method is
carried out by hot dipping process. It involves the following steps:
1. The iron sheet is washed with solvent to remove greasy & oily materials.
2. The iron sheet is washed with dil H2SO4 to remove oxide film.
3. The sheet is then treated with a mixture of aqueous solution of zinc chloride and ammonium
chloride & dried
4. The dried sheet is dipped in molten zinc at 430 – 450 0 C.
5. Excess Zn is removed by rolling, wiping or air blast.

Fig: Galvanization process


Applications
1) Galvanized iron pipes are exclusively used for domestic purpose all over the world
2) Galvanized iron drum are used to preserve variety of chemicals, drugs & organic solvents.
3) Used in Roof sheets, fencing wires, barbed wire, buckets, pipes, etc.
Anodization of Aluminium.
Anodized coating is generally produced on non-ferrous metals like Al, Zn, Mg made as anode,
Pb is generally used as cathode in an electrolyte by passing direct current. The most commonly
used electrolytes are H2CrO4, H2SO4, H3PO4, (COOH)2, H3BO3 or their mixtures. The anodic
metal oxide is porous and provides good adherence for paints and dyes. Aluminium alloys are
anodized to increase corrosion resistance and to allow dyeing (colouring), improved lubrication,
or improved adhesion. However, anodizing does not increase the strength of the aluminium
object. The anodic layer is insulative.

The anodized aluminium layer is grown by passing a direct current through an acidic
(electrolytic) solution, with the aluminium object serving as the anode. Platinum/steel is used as
cathode. When a suitable voltage is applied, evolution of hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at
the surface of the aluminium anode, along with the formation of aluminium oxide takes place.
Generally, higher voltages are required for thicker coatings formed in sulfuric and organic acid.
The anodizing current varies with the area of aluminium being anodized and typically ranges
from 30 to 300 A/m2.
Working: The electrode reactions occurring during anodising process are:
At anode: 2Al + 3H2O → Al2O3 + 6H+ + 6e-
At cathode: 6H+ + 6e- → 3H2
Over all reaction: 2Al + 3H2O → Al2O3 + 3H2

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Sealing is the final step in the anodizing process. The strength and corrosion resistance of the anodized
film can be increased by sealing, which involves heating in boiling water or steam. The treatment
changes porous alumina at the surface of coating into its monohydrate (Al2O3.H2O), which occupies
more volume, thereby the pores are sealed.

Corrosion penetration rate (CPR)


Corrosion Penetration Rate (CPR) is defined as the speed at which any metal in a specific environment
deteriorates due to a chemical reaction in the metal when it is exposed to a corrosive environment. The
method used to measure the corrosion rate was Weight Loss Method. This method was used as a
measurement of the Corrosion Penetration Rate (CPR) which is expressed in mills per year (mpy) or
millimeter per year (mm /yr). Where the material density (ρ), testing time (t) and weight (W) are a
parameter which to is known during the testing process, the CPR can be calculated by the equation:

Corrosion penetration rate depends on following factors;


1. Nature of metal.
2. Nature of corrosive environment/medium.
3. Nature corrosion product.
The Corrosion penetration rate is calculated using the following formula;
CPR = k.W/ ρ.A.t
If CPR < 20 mpy or 0.5 mmpy, it is acceptable for most applications. But if CPR> 20mpy or 0.5
mmpy, steel cannot be used for construction purpose.
Constant CPR in mpy CPR mmpy
K 534 87.6
W (wt loss) mg Mg
ρ g/ cm3 g/ cm3
A inch2 Cm2
t hrs Hrs

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Numerical Problems:
1. A sheet of carbon steel one meter wide by three meters long has lost 40g to corrosion over the past
six months. Convert that mass loss to a penetration rate of the steel in mm units and mpy units. What
could be the corrosion rate? (Carbon steel density=7.8g/ cm3) To calculate CPR in mmpy. Can we
apply such steel for construction purpose?
Solution: To calculate CPR in mmpy
Given;
K = 87.6
W (wt loss) = 40 g = 40 x 1000 mg
ρ = 7.8 g/ cm 3 = 7.8 g/ cm 3
A = 1m x 3m = 3m 2 = 3x100 x 100 cm 2 T
= 6 months = 6 x 30 x 24 hrs
We have

CPR =
K.W
ρ.A.t
87.6x40x1000
7.8x3x100x100x6x30x24
CPR = 3.466 x10 -3 mmpy

To calculate CPR in mpy


Given;
K = 534
W (wt loss) = 40 g = 40 x 1000 mg
ρ = 7.8 g/ cm 3 = 7.8 g/ cm 3
A = 1m x 3m = 3m 2 = 3 x 1550 inch 2
T = 6 months = 6 x 30 x 24 hrs
CPR = 534*40*1000
7.8x3 x 1550 x6 x 30 x 24
= 0.0136 mpy

2. An iron metal lost 250 mg of weight when it is immersed in deaerated acidic solution for 5
year. Calculate the corrosion penetration rate (CPR) for the exposed area of 15 inch2. Given k =
534 and the density of metal = 5.37 g cm-3.

3. A thick steel sheet of area 100 inch2, found to have weight loss of 358 mg after 1 year.
Calculate the corrosion penetration rate for the exposed. Given K=534 and density of metal
=7.9 g cm-3.

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Metal Finishing

Introduction: Metal finishing refers to a group of processes applied to the surface of metallic
components to enhance their appearance, durability, and performance. It involves techniques such as
electroplating, anodizing, polishing, coating, and chemical treatments that modify the surface without
altering the bulk properties of the material. The primary objectives of metal finishing are to improve
corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, and aesthetic appeal, thereby extending
the service life of products. Widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics,
construction, and consumer goods, metal finishing plays a critical role in both functional and
decorative applications. Advances in finishing technologies also support sustainable manufacturing by
reducing material waste, improving energy efficiency, and developing eco-friendly coating methods.

Definition:
Metal finishing is a process of coating metal on metal, metal on an alloy or metal on a polymer or
forming oxide film to modify surface properties. Major techniques used are electroplating and
electroless plating
Technological importance of metal finishing
1) To provide resistance against corrosion Ex; Zn, Cd, Sn, coating on Iron
2) To increase the conductivity. This technique have been developed to deposit metal on non
conducting materials. Ex; PCB s, Computers, cameras.
3) To provide thermal conducting surface.
4) To impart decorative appearance. Ex; Gold Plating, Chromium plating.
5) To improve surface hardness. Ex: Hard Chromo Plating on dies and cutting tools.
6) To impart wear resistance.
7) To impart chemical resistance.

Electroplating of Chromium (hard and decorative).

The application of a hard chromium layer on metal is extremely important because it improves surface
hardness and reduces friction between materials, significantly extending the life reducing costs and
improving the performance of many critical applications. Chromium plating is to provide corrosion
resistance, decorative finishing, and hardness of a surface.

There are two types of chromium coatings (i) Decorative Chromium plating and (ii) Hard Chromium
plating

Parameter Decorative Cr-plating Hard Cr-plating

Bath solution Chromic acid(250g), Sulfuric acid (25 g) Chromic acid(250g), Sulfuric acid (25
g)
Thickness 0.25-0.75 μM 0.005 – 0.75 mM
Anode Insoluble anodes like Pb-Sb/Pb-Sn alloy Insoluble anodes like Pb-Sb/Pb-Sn alloy
coated with PbO2. coated with PbO2.
Cathode Object to be plated Object to be plated

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Current Density 100-200 mA/cm2 250-500 mA/cm2

Temperature 45-60 ° C 45-60 ° C

CurrentEfficiency 10-12 % 15-21 %


(%)

On passage of electric current, Cr6+ from the bath solution gets reduced as metallic Cr on the cathode
surface.

During Chromium plating, chromium rod is not used as anode because

1. Chromium rod get passivated in acidic medium (i.e. Anode efficiency is five time more than
cathode efficiency). Can cause the increasing in concentration of Cr 3+ ions leading to burnt deposit.

2. Chromium is generally porous in nature. As increase the thickness of chromium plating cracks
develop on coating. However, Cr coating is always done on thin layer of copper and zinc.

Electroless plating of copper on PCBs.


This is a method of depositing a metal or alloy over an article (metallic or nonmetallic) by the
reduction of metal ions using suitable reducing agents, without using electrical energy. The surface to
be platted should be catalytically active.

The process con be represented as:

Metal ion + Reducing agent → Metal atom + oxidized product

• Involves the oxidation of a soluble reducing agent which supports the cathodic deposition of
metal on a catalytic surface
• This process uses only one electrode and no external source of electric current.
• The solution needs to contain a reducing agent.

Electroless Plating of copper


The surface to be coated must be cleaned properly by using organic solvents, followed by acid treatment.
Non-metallic materials like glass, plastics, PCB, etc., are activated by dipping in the solution containing
SnCl2 and HCl, followed by dipping in palladium chloride solution.
Conditions:
pH : 11
Temperature : 25 Degree Celsius.
Plating Bath : CuSO4 (12g/dm3)
Reducing agent : Formaldehyde (8g/dm3)
Buffer : NaOH (15g/dm3).
Complexing agent : Disodium salt of EDTA (20g/dm3)

The electrode reactions are:

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Anode: 2HCHO + 4OH-→ 2HCOO- + 2H2O+H2+ 2e-
Cathode: Cu2+ +2e- → Cu
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Over all reaction: 2HCHO + Cu2+ + 4OH- → Cu + 2HCOO- + 2H2O+H2

Through hole plating: The preparation of printed circuit boards (PCB’s) are important applications of
electroless plating of copper. This technique employed to manufacture PCB’s is called subtractive
method. The method involves the following steps as shown in figure.

Figure: copper plating through hole in double sided PCB

In PCB, the base object is a non-conductor like glass, plastic, phenolic polymer. A layer of copper is plated on
these bases which are double sided. The selected areas are protected by photoresist before plating. The electrical
connection between two sides is done by drilling, followed by plating through holes. Copper cladded tracks on
each side of the plastic board are connected through hole.

[Link]. Parameter Electroplating Electroless Plating


1 Energy Source external electric current No electricity; autocatalytic
chemical reactions
2 Deposition Metal ions deposit on the cathode via Metal deposits uniformly through
Process electric current chemical reduction
3 Substrate Only conductors Both conductors and non-
conductors
4 Uniformity Coating may be uneven, depends on Coating is highly uniform, even on
current distribution complex shapes
4 Rate of Faster deposition
Slower deposition
deposition
5 Decorative finishes, corrosion Electronics (PCBs), wear
Applications resistance, conductivity resistance, uniform coatings

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E-waste management
Introduction: Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded as products waste and
are thrown away to the environment. These discarded devices are considered as E-waste and crates threat
to the environment and human health. E-Waste management is intended to reduce the adverse effects of E-
waste on human health, the environment, planetary resources, and aesthetics.
Sources of E-waste
1. Consumer electronics: The constant desire for newer devices and gadgets has led to a surge in e-
waste. This includes televisions, computers, mobile phones, and other home appliances.
2. Medical and laboratory equipment: The healthcare and research sectors use a lot of electronic
equipment for diagnostics, treatment, and experimentation. Ex. glucometers, pacemakers, Ultrasound
machines, medical imaging systems X-ray equipment, ultrasound devices etc.,
3. Manufacturing: E-waste can be generated during the manufacturing stage itself due to defects, and material
processing. Ex. PCBs, excess solders. Silicon wafer scraps etc.
4. Entertainment and leisure devices: E-waste can come from entertainment and leisure devices. Ex. toys with
minor electrical components and sports equipments.
5. Network infrastructure upgrades: E-waste can be generated during network infrastructure upgrades.
6. Battery disposal: E-waste can come from battery disposal Ex. Pb-acid battery, Li-batteries, dry cells etc.,
7. Automatic dispensers: Such as automatic dispensers (ATM), Vending machines.
Effects of e-waste on environment
1. Soil contamination
When e-waste is disposed of in landfills, toxic chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate
the crops and water supplies. This can lead to illnesses in humans and animals that consume
contaminated vegetation.
2. Water pollution
When e-waste breaks down, it can release hazardous chemicals into nearby water sources,
contaminating the water and impacting crops, livestock, wildlife, and humans.
3. Air pollution
Burning e-waste releases harmful pollutants into the air.
4. Direct harm to wildlife
E-waste can have a devastating effect on wildlife, both directly and indirectly.
5. Resource depletion
Technology consumes resources faster than they can be replenished, which can lead to aquifer
depletion, deforestation, mining for fossil fuels, and soil erosion.
Effect on Human health

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Methods of disposal
Non-biodegradable and toxic wastes like radioactive remnants can potentially cause irreparable
damageto the environment and human health if not strategically disposed of. Waste disposal has been a
matter of concern, the main problem growth in population and industrialization. Here are a few methods
of waste disposal. Disposal of E-waste are mainly done in 5 types.
1. Land-filling
2. Incineration
3. Recycling
4. Metal recovery by acid
5. Reuse
1. Landfilling: The most common method for solid and hazardous waste disposal, landfills are economical
and don't require much infrastructure. Waste is poured into the soil in a uniform manner
2. Incineration: An inexpensive method that reduces waste volume by about 90%. Incinerators produce heat
that can be used to generate energy, and some ash can be used for farming.
3. Recycling: A common method for reducing waste disposal, recycling can reduce waste disposal costs and
sometimes generate revenue from the sale of recyclable materials.
4. Metal recovery by acid: Different types of parts like ferrous and nonferrous metal and printed circuitboard
are separated by electronic waste. Different types of metals like lead, copper, aluminum, silver, gold,
platinum etc. are recovered and reused.
5. Reuse: The metals from the old electronic devices can be extracted and reused. Such as from computers,
mobiles, laptops etc.
Advantages of Recycling E-Waste

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1. Protecting the environment
E-waste recycling prevents the release of toxic chemicals and dust into the air, soil, and water. These
chemicals can contaminate the environment and harm human health.
2. Conserving resources
Recycling e-waste reduces the need to mine for new materials, and instead reuses valuable resources
like metals and plastics to make new products.
3. Creating jobs
E-waste recycling creates jobs for professional recyclers and a second market for recycled materials.
4. Reducing landfill waste
Landfills can't handle the toxic chemicals in e-waste, so recycling helps to keep them out of landfills.
Extraction of Gold from e-waste
Recovering precious metals from e-waste through hydrometallurgical processes is more attractive
economically than other methods. A hydrometallurgical process consists of first a set of operations including
acidic or alkaline dissolution (leaching) of solids. The resulting solutions are then exposed to separation and
purification methods including deposition, solvent extraction, adsorption, and ion exchange in order to isolate
and concentrate the intended metals.

Step 1: (grinding of the CPUs): First, any dust or other particles were removed from the CPUs. The size of the
grind pieces was 1 mm.
Step 2: (leaching in nitric acid): Concentrated nitric acid (65%) was added. Leaching time in this stage was 1
hour.
Step 3: (leaching in aqua regia): The aqua regia solution was obtained using three volumes of HCl plus one
volume of HNO3 (under the hood). Typically, the gold of composite CPU-containing boards is easily dissolved
in 4-to-1 aqua regia. The solution was decanted, and the pieces were subsequently washed with 10 mL of
concentrated HCl so that all of the gold content was fed into the solution.
Step 4: (removing the excess nitric acid): Sulfuric acid was added to the solution to accelerate the removal of

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nitric acid and sedimentation of the lead as lead sulfate (if present). The time required for the complete removal
of nitric acid from this solution was 45 minutes.
H2SO4(conc.) + HNO3(aq/conc.) → NO2+ + HSO4− + H2O
Step 5: (precipitation of gold): A certain amount of FeSO4 (per one gram of gold: 4.2 g of iron sulfate) was
dissolved in warm water and gradually added to the gold-containing solution. For better dissolution of iron
sulfate, some drops of HCl can be used.
Using metallic iron (Fe⁰): This is a single-displacement reaction where iron reduces Au³⁺ to elemental gold:
Au3+ + 3Fe2+→Au↓+3Fe3+
This is a classic example of a redox cementation process used in hydrometallurgy and gold recovery.
Step 6: (washing and purifying gold deposits): The deposit was coated with HCl and then boiled (to dissolve the
excess copper sulfate). Following boiling, the acid was removed and the deposit was re-washed in HCl to ensure
the cleanness of the gold powder. Eventually, the deposit was filtered and washed with large amounts of warm
water. At this stage, the deposit was placed in an oven at a temperature of 100°C to dry. Sampling and
measuring of precious metals were performed following the first and second stages of leaching, after the stage
of gold extraction, and finally following the purification of deposits.
Management of E-waste by AI technologies
The rise of electronic devices has caused a enormous increase in the generation of e-waste, which contains both
hazardous substances and valuable metals. Traditional recycling methods face challenges in efficiency and
safety. Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides smarter, more sustainable solutions for managing e-waste.
1. Smart Collection and Sorting: AI-driven robots and computer vision systems will identify
and separate reusable parts, plastics, and metals. Machine learning improves recognition of
complex electronic components, reducing contamination in recycling streams.
2. Automated Recycling: AI enhances dismantling and shredding processes by guiding robotic
arms for safer handling of hazardous materials. Predictive algorithms optimize chemical and
mechanical recycling methods for maximum material recovery.
3. Resource Recovery and Efficiency: AI models forecast the availability of recyclable
materials by analyzing consumption trends. Helps recover valuable metals (gold, silver, copper,
rare earths) efficiently.
4. Battery and Hazardous Waste Handling: AI detects and classifies batteries or toxic
components, ensuring safe disposal and preventing accidents like fires.
5. Circular Economy Support: AI tracks product lifecycles, predicts end-of-life for devices, and
suggests reuse, refurbishment, or [Link] also enables manufacturers to design eco-
friendly products with improved recyclability.

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Questions:
1. Explain electrochemical theory of corrosion with iron as an example. (6M)
2. Illustrate the following types of corrosion with an example: (a) differential metal
corrosion (b) differential aeration corrosion(8M)
3. Identify and explain the type of corrosion that takes place in the case of Fe-sheet
unevenly covered by dust.(4)
4. Define metallic coatings. Describe the processes of galvanization with a neat
diagram. List the applications (6M)
5. What is anodization of Al? Explain the process of anodization of Al with a neat
diagram.(6)
6. Define metal finishing and outline the technological importance of metal
finishing.(6)
7. Describe the electroplating of hard and decorative chromium plating. Justify why
chromium anodes are not used in electroplating.
8. Compare electroplating with electroless plating(6)
9. Define electroless plating. Explain the electroless plating of copper in PCBs with a
neat diagram and relevant reactions.(8)
10. Describe the surface activation and elecroless plating of copper.(4)
11. Discuss the different sources of E-waste
12. Outline the effects of e-waste on environment.(6)
13. Explain the steps involved for waste disposal method.(6)
14. Outline the steps with a flow diagram for extraction of gold from e-waste.(6)
15 Discuss briefly on management of E-waste by AI technologies (4)

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Hydrometallurgical methods for recycling e-waste, particularly for gold recovery, are economically advantageous due to their efficiency in extracting valuable metals. The process involves dissolving e-waste in acid solutions to leach out metals, followed by separation techniques to purify and concentrate them. For gold, a typical sequence involves leaching with nitric acid, followed by aqua regia, and then precipitation using iron sulfate. This method reduces the environmental impact by avoiding the need for intense mining activities and lowers energy consumption compared to pyrometallurgical methods. Furthermore, controlling the chemical reactions and conditions minimizes toxic emissions .

Differential metal corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact within a corrosive conducting medium; the metal with the lower reduction potential, like zinc in zinc-iron or iron in iron-copper pair, acts as the anode and corrodes, while the cathodic metal is protected (e.g., zinc coating on mild steel). Differential aeration corrosion occurs when different areas of a metal surface are exposed to varying oxygen concentrations. The metal exposed to lower oxygen concentrations corrodes as it becomes the anodic part. Real-world examples include the corrosion of steel under water level in storage tanks where it is less aerated, while the part above remains protected .

According to the electrochemical theory of corrosion, metals corrode due to the formation of anodic and cathodic regions on the metal surface or when two different metals are in contact in the presence of a conducting medium. For iron, corrosion takes place with iron acting as the anode and undergoing oxidation according to the reaction: Fe → Fe2+ + 2e-. The electrons then move to the cathodic area where reduction reactions occur. In a neutral or alkaline medium, oxygen reduction takes place: O2 + 2H2O + 4e- → 4OH-. This electrochemical process leads to the deposition of corrosion products between anodic and cathodic regions, resulting in rust formation with Fe2O3.3H2O being the main product in the presence of excess oxygen .

AI optimizes e-waste management by enhancing sorting efficiency and maximizing resource recovery. Machine learning algorithms improve the identification of complex electronics components, enabling precise separation of metals, plastics, and reusable parts. AI-driven predictive models forecast material availability, aiding efficient planning and recycling processes. Moreover, robotic systems can safely handle and disassemble e-waste, improving efficiency and safety, particularly in the extraction of valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, which are crucial for creating a viable circular economy .

Electroless plating for copper in PCBs relies on chemical reduction without electricity, allowing even coating over complex geometries and non-conductive materials. This results in uniform thickness, reducing defects that can cause electrical failures. Advantages include the ability to coat drilled holes and through vias uniformly, critical for signal integrity in PCBs. Furthermore, electroless plating is cost-effective as it accounts for fewer wasted materials without requiring electrical equipment and ensures efficient scalability .

Waterline corrosion occurs when metals are partially submerged in water, leading to differential aeration where the submerged part is less oxygenated and acts as an anode, while the part above water is cathodic and generally more aerated. This often results in more severe corrosion just below the waterline. Industrially, waterline corrosion is particularly problematic for water storage tanks, ship hulls, and pipelines, where it can cause significant material degradation leading to structural failures or leaks .

Pitting corrosion occurs when small, localized areas on a metal surface corrode due to an accumulation of particles, such as dust, that inhibit oxygen exposure. The regions beneath the dust become less oxygenated and act as anodes undergoing corrosion, while surrounding areas remain cathodic due to higher oxygen exposure. This causes the development of pits as the anodic regions undergo accelerated corrosion. This type of corrosion is particularly aggressive because of the small anode to large cathode area ratio .

In cathodic protection, sacrificial anodes are more reactive metals attached to protect structures (like pipelines) from corrosion. They corrode instead of the protected metal, offering protection for even buried or submerged structures like pipelines. This is different from anodic metal coating where metals like zinc are applied directly onto a base metal (e.g., iron) in toxic environments. While both methods use anodic protection, sacrificial anodes provide protection without coating the entire surface, allowing them to protect structures that might not be fully accessible for coating .

Electroplating involves applying a metal coating on a substrate through the use of an electric current, requiring conductive substrates and equipment to maintain current flow. In contrast, electroless plating deposits metal coatings via a chemical reduction process, facilitating uniform plating over complex shapes and non-conductive surfaces. Electroless plating can be favored for precision applications, such as plating on PCBs due to its ability to coat intricate surfaces evenly without the need for electrical connectivity .

Galvanization protects iron by coating it with zinc, which is more anodic, meaning it will corrode preferentially to protect the iron beneath. The steps involved in galvanization include: (1) cleaning the iron sheet with solvents and dilute sulfuric acid to remove oil and oxide film, (2) applying a zinc chloride and ammonium chloride solution, (3) dipping the sheet into molten zinc at 430-450°C, and (4) removing excess zinc by rolling, wiping, or air blast. This forms a protective layer that maintains coverage even if physically compromised because of zinc's sacrificial anode action .

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