Patent ID: 6284123
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
A method for electroplating an iron layer onto an aluminum or aluminum alloy surface of an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate cathode from an iron containing anode, said method comprising:providing an activation/electroplating bath solution comprising:Fe.sup.+2 having a concentration ranging from about 0.65 to about 2.5 moles per liter of solution;at least one anion associated with the Fe.sup.+2 ion;a reducing agent in an amount sufficient to prevent oxidation of Fe.sup.+2 to Fe.sup.+3 ;Cl.sup.- in an amount sufficient to promote dissolution of the anode and increase the conductivity of the solution;a wetting agent in an amount sufficient to prevent pitting of an aluminum electroplated surface; andboric acid in a concentration of at least about 50 grams per liter of solution;activating said surface of said cathode by immersing said cathode in said solution; immersing the anode in said solution; andelectroplating said iron layer directly onto said activated aluminum or aluminum alloy surface of said cathode in said solution from said iron containing anode, wherein the method is carried out without the use of an undercoating layer.