FC 

DATA SHEET 

Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

Version: 02

Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

IMDS-No.: Not applicable 

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CONTENTS 

 

PROCESS INFORMATION...............................................................................................................................2 

BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR HARD CHROME PLATING BATHS .................................3 

MAKE-UP TABLE FOR HARD CHROME PLATING BATHS (0.25% BY VOLUME)...................................3 

BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR DECORATIVE CHROME BATHS.....................................4 

MAKE-UP TABLE FOR DECORATIVE CHROME PLATING BATHS..........................................................4 

BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR ANODIC ETCHING BATHS..............................................5 

MAKE-UP TABLE FOR ANODIC ETCHING BATHS (0.25% BY VOLUME)................................................5 

SOLUTION MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................6 

SAP NO. FOR MAKE-UP AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS.........................................................................7 

USE OF FUMETROL 21 LF ..............................................................................................................................7

SURFACE TENSION VERSUS FUMETROL 21 LF MAKE UP CONCENTRATION CHART..........................8 

WASTE DISPOSAL...........................................................................................................................................9 

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...............................................................................................................9 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

Version: 02

Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

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PROCESS INFORMATION 

• Fumetrol® 21 LF Mist Suppressant is a stable, highly effective, liquid surfactant for chromium plating baths. 

It provides an excellent balance between a controlled layer of foam and surface tension reduction to 

eliminate misting and reduce drag out. Fumetrol 21 LF is a non-PFOS* based surfactant and it does not 

contain perfluorinated compounds. 

• Fumetrol 21 LF is suitable for use in both Decorative and Functional (Hard) chromium applications. 

• Fumetrol 21 LF lowers the surface tension to 25 - 35 Dynes/cmi

, substantially cutting drag-out losses, as 

well as reducing the size of escaping bubbles. 

Fumetrol 21 LF offers these significant advantages when present in chromium plating baths: 

• Virtual elimination of chromic acid mist in the work area. 

• Lower chromium replenishment costs resulting from reduced drag-out and spray-loss of plating. 

• Avoid the chance of contamination of adjacent plating solutions by chromic acid mist. 

• Can increase life of ventilating and other plating room equipment. 

• Low foam. 

*PFOS and its derivatives are not used to make Fumetrol 21 LF products. 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

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Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

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BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR HARD CHROME PLATING 

BATHS 

NOTE: Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when performing the solution make-up 

activity. 

Metric 

Make-Up for 100 liters of Chrome Plating Bath Liter Kg 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make up 0.25 0.25 

US Imperial 

Make-Up for 100 gallons of Chrome Plating Bath Gallon 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make up 0.25 

Make-up Table for Hard Chrome Plating Baths (0.25% by volume) 

 Liters or Gallons 

Solution Volume 200 400 600 800 1000 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 

An initial make-up of 2.5 ml/l (or 2.5 gallons per 1,000 gallons) of Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up is recommended to 

achieve mist suppression and surface tension reduction. This concentration will reduce the surface tension to 

the desired value of about 30 Dynes/cm and generates a foam layer around the anode and cathode during 

plating. 

Please note that due to high concentration of the Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up product, it is recommended to 

dilute it using de-ionized water before adding it to the chrome plating bath. A dilution of about 1 : 1 is 

suitable. 

Please Note: All make-up values in the table are for the “pure” Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up, not the diluted 

solution. 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

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Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

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BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR DECORATIVE CHROME BATHS 

NOTE: Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when performing the solution make-up 

activity 

Metric 

Make-Up for 100 liters of Chrome Plating Bath Liter Kg 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.25 0.25 

US Imperial 

Make-Up for 100 gallons of Chrome Plating Bath Gallon 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.25 

Make-up Table for Decorative Chrome Plating Baths 

Liters or Gallons 

Solution Volume 200 400 600 800 1000 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.5 1.0. 1.5 2.0 2.5 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

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BATH MAKE-UP USING FUMETROL 21 LF FOR ANODIC ETCHING BATHS 

NOTE: Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when performing the solution make-up 

activity. 

Metric 

Make-Up for 100 liters of Chrome Plating Bath Liter Kg 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.1 - 0.25 0.1 - 0.25 

US Imperial 

Make-Up for 100 gallons of Chrome Plating Bath Gallon 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.1 - 0.25 

Make-up Table for Anodic Etching Baths (0.25% by volume) 

Liters or Gallons 

Solution Volume 200 400 600 800 1000 

Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.25 

Fumetrol 21 LF can be used in chromic acid and sulfuric acid anodizing solutions. An initial make-up of 1.0 - 2.5 

gallons of Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up per 1,000 gallons (1.0 - 2.5 liters per 1,000 liters) of anodizing solution is 

recommended to achieve effective mist suppression and surface tension reduction. Since anodizing takes place 

at lower temperatures than chromium plating, more foam may be present. 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

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SOLUTION MAINTENANCE 

NOTE: Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when performing the solution maintenance 

activities. 

The effectiveness of Fumetrol 21 LF is maintained by addition of Fumetrol 21 LF Maintenance solution based 

on one of three methods. If more foam is desired, maintain with Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up. 

Optimum control is obtained by measuring the surface tension using a tensiometer and is the recommended 

control method. A stalagmometer can be used but will give different surface tension values that can be up to 10 

to 20 Dynes/cm higher than the actual values. Additions can be made based upon amp-hours or by visual 

examination of the foam blanket. 

Since usage of Fumetrol 21 LF is dependent upon the amount of work processed and drag out, experience will 

determine the proper amount required to maintain an operating solution. The following table gives general 

guidelines for control of Fumetrol 21 LF: 

Metric 

Control Method Per Addition Rate (milliliters) Comments 

Surface tension 1,000 litersper 1 

Dynes/cm 120 - 180 Target 25 - 35 Dynes/cm

Ampere - hours 10,000 Amp hours 50 - 100 -- 

US Imperial 

Control Method Per Addition Rate (Fluid Ounces) Comments 

Surface tension 1,000 gallonsper 1 

Dynes/cm 15 - 23 Target 25 - 35 Dynes/cm

Ampere - hours 10,000 Amp hours 1.6 – 3.3 -- 

Please note that due to high concentration of the Fumetrol 21 LF Maintenance product, it is 

recommended to dilute it using de-ionized water before adding it to the chrome plating bath. A dilution 

of about 1:1 is suitable. 

Please Note: All make-up values in the table are for the “pure” Fumetrol 21 LF Maintenance, not the 

diluted solution. 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

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SAP NO. FOR MAKE-UP AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS 

PRODUCT SAP No. 

FUMETROL 21 LF MAKE UP 1682336 

FUMETROL 21 LF MAINTENANCE 1682335 

USE OF FUMETROL 21 LF 

Fumetrol 21 LF can greatly reduce the drag-out of the plating solution and so an adjustment in the 

replenishment schedule of the various bath materials may be required. 

Heating and cooling requirements of the tank may require minor adjustments. The foam blanket formed around 

the anode and cathode during plating will slightly reduce heat loss. 

Fumetrol 21 LF may not be readily compatible with other mist suppressants and chromium processes. Contact 

your local Atotech representative for further details. 

The graph below shows the tensiometer surface tension values as a function of Fumetrol 21 LF Make Up 

concentration in a HEEF®

 25 plating bath containing 250 g/l Chromic Acid. 
Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

Version: 02

Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

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SURFACE TENSION VERSUS FUMETROL 21 LF MAKE UP CONCENTRATION 

CHART 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

0 0.511.5 2 2.5 3 3.5

Mist Suppressant Concentration [ml/l]

Surface Tension [mN/m]

4

Tensiometer

Stalagmometer

Typical Operating Range

Dynes/cm can also be expressed as mN/m 

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Fumetrol® 21 LF 

Chromium Mist Suppressant 

Version: 02

Doc.-No.: 7032-US 

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WASTE DISPOSAL 

This material must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and 

permits. Consult the MSDS for additional regulatory information. The information contained herein is general in 

nature and may not apply to each application. 

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 

When working with this product(s), ensure that all health, environmental, and safety regulations and standards 

are met. Avoid direct contact with this material. Do not inhale associated mist, vapors, and/or dust. Maintain and 

limit exposure as recommended by OSHA, ACGIH, and other state and local regulations. Wash contaminated 

clothing before reuse. Always comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. 

Emergency showers and eyewashes must be readily available. Wear the appropriate personal protective 

equipment for the chemistry being handled. 

It is recommended that the plating chemistry product(s) referred to in this Technical Information Sheet be used: 

(a) in accordance with the information provided in product specific MSDS; and (b) in compliance with all 

applicable requirements and guidelines established by OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH, NFPA, and others. 

NOTE: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product(s) is available upon request from Atotech USA 

Inc., Customer Service/Sales Support Group, 1750 Overview Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29730. 

REVIEW MSDS BEFORE USING THIS PLATING CHEMISTRY AND FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION. A 

precautionary approach should be used when there is potential for chemical exposure -- this includes minimizing 

exposure potential, rapid decontamination, and medical follow-up. 

TELEPHONE NUMBERS 

General Information: (803) 817-3500 

To Place an Order: 1-800-PLATING 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THIS INFORMATION:

The statements, technical information, and recommendations contained in this document are 

based on tests and data that are believed to be reliable. Further, as the actual use of our products 

by others is beyond our control, no guarantee of any kind is made as to the effects of such use, or 

the results to be obtained, whether the use is made in accordance with the recommendations or 

suggestions contained herein or otherwise. This document is not contractual and NOTHING 

HEREIN CONSTITUTES A REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT THE GOODS 

DESCRIBED ARE FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF A CUSTOMER or that their use does 

not conflict with any existing patent rights. The exclusive source of any warranty and of any other 

customer rights whatsoever is on the Atotech invoice. Also, since electronic media may provide 

this data sheet, Atotech cannot guarantee the accuracy or originality hereof. Any alterations made 

to this document other than by Atotech corporate headquarters are expressly prohibited. 

Atotech USA Inc. 

1750 Overview Drive

 Rock Hill, SC 29730

phone +1 (0) 803 817 3500

fax +1 (0) 803 817 3666

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