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inorganic complex-based silver-plating processes investigated. Early attempts to plate silver from such a solution resulted in rapid oxidation of the complex and precipitation of insoluble silver compounds. Additions of sodium metabisulfite were found to minimize this tendency and all thiosulfate-based processes now con- tain this ingredient. Solution composition can be expressed as follows: Silver as thiosulfate Sodium thiosulfate Sodium metabisulfite pHa Temperature Note: Adjust solution pH with sodium bisulfite or sodium hydroxide. These electrolytes can be operated with stainless steel or silver anodes; however, the latter should be bagged. Problems of poor adhesion can be overcome by using a conventional silver strike or one in which there is no free cyanide. In either case, rinsing before entry into the thiosulfate solution is a good practice. A small amount of cyanide drag-in will react with thiosulfate in the solution to form thio- cyanate: Current density a CN— + S2 O3 2— CNS— + SO3 2— One reported advantage of thiosulfate over cyanide systems is that thickness dis- tribution is better on complex-shaped objects; however, deposits seem to tar- nish in air much quicker than cyanide-produced ones. Postplating passivation is recommended. Succinimide Solutions Several electrolytes based on this organic complex of silver have been patented, two of which are described below: Silver (as potassium silver disuccinimide) 30 g/L (4.0 oz/gal) Succinimide Potassium sulfate pH Temperature Current density 11.5-55 g/L 45 g/L 8.5 25° C 1 A/dm2 (1.5-7.4 oz/gal) (6.0 oz/gal) (77° F) (10 A/ft2 ) Potassium nitrite or nitrate can be substituted for the sulfate. The addition of amines, such as ethylene diamine or diethylenetriamine, and wetting agents pro- duce bright, stress-free deposits. Silver (as potassium silver disuccinimide) 24 g/L Succinimide Potassium citrate pH Temperature Current density 25 g/L 50 g/L 7.5-9.0 20-70° (3.3 oz/gal) (3.4 oz/gal) (6.7 oz/gal) C 0.54 A/dm2 (70-160° (5.5 A/ft2 F) ) Potassium borate may be used in place of potassium citrate. Tarnish resistance of deposits obtained from these processes is inferior to that of deposits produced from cyanide-based electrolytes unless they are dipped in dilute sulfuric acid immediately after plating is complete. 243 30 g/L 300-500 g/L 30-50 g/L 8-10 15-30° C 0.4-1.0 A/dm2 (4.0 oz/gal) (40-70 oz/gal) (4.0-6.7 oz/gal) (60-85° F) (4-10 A/ft2 )