Chromium is used for electroplating objects primarily to provide a durable, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing finish. Chromium's desirable properties, such as its hardness, resistance to tarnish, and bright finish, make it an ideal coating material.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
-
Corrosion Resistance: Chromium forms a passive oxide layer that protects the underlying metal from corrosion. This layer is self-healing, meaning that if it's scratched or damaged, it will quickly reform, maintaining the protective barrier.
-
Hardness and Wear Resistance: Chromium is a very hard metal, making it resistant to scratches and wear. This is especially important for objects that are subject to frequent handling or abrasion.
-
Aesthetic Appeal: Chromium has a naturally bright and shiny appearance, providing an attractive finish to electroplated objects. This bright finish is often described as having a "blueish" tint.
-
Tarnish Resistance: Unlike some metals, chromium does not easily tarnish or dull over time, maintaining its appearance and requiring minimal maintenance.
-
Cost-Effectiveness: While chromium is a relatively expensive material, only a thin layer is typically needed for electroplating, making the overall process more cost-effective than using solid chromium. The reference points out that using solid chromium for the entire object would be a "huge loss and... wastage of the resource." Therefore, electroplating provides a cost-effective solution to apply chromium's desirable properties as a surface finish.
In summary, chromium electroplating enhances the durability, longevity, and visual appeal of objects by leveraging the metal's resistance to corrosion, hardness, and bright finish, all while minimizing the overall cost due to the thin layer applied.
