MacDermid plc, Palmer Street, Bordesley, Birmingham B9 4EU

International Telephone: + 44 (0) 121 606 8100 Fax: + 44 (0) 121 606 8300

Sales Order Fax: + 44 (0) 121 766 6883

www.macdermid.com

ChromKlad EMS

PFOS Free Spray

Suppressant for Hard

Chromium Plating

171172

Description

ChromKlad EMS is chemically stable anionic surfactant specifically designed

for use as a spray suppressant in hard chromium plating processes. During

electrolysis of the chromium plating solutions, a foam blanket is formed on the

surface of the solution, which coupled with the drop in surface tension,

minimizes the escape of chromic acid mist into the plating shop atmosphere.

ChromKlad EMS complies with European Directive (PE-CONS 3660/06,

15915/06 ADD1). This directive restricts the use of PFOS based materials in

decorative chromium plating applications.

Initial Addition Rates

New solution

Up to 2.5 mL/l of ChromKlad EMS is required to give a uniform foam blanket

across the surface of the plating solution.

Conversion from PFOS containing solutions

Before conversion the surface tension of the solution should assessed. The

initial addition will depend on the amount of ChromKlad EMS required to

reduce the surface tension to below 40 mN/m and maintain a uniform foam

blanket across the surface of the plating solution.
ChromKlad EMS 171712 Page 2

MacDermid plc, Palmer Street, Bordesley, Birmingham B9 4EU

International Telephone: + 44 (0) 121 606 8100 Fax: + 44 (0) 121 606 8300

Sales Order Fax: + 44 (0) 121 766 6883

www.macdermid.com

General Control and Maintenance

• ChromKlad EMS is consumed by electrolysis. It is recommended that

small frequent maintenance additions based on amp hour consumption

of 50 - 100 mLs / kAh are made. The actual amount will depend on

each installation. In some applications the addition rate may be higher

in order to maintain the foam blanket.

• During electrolysis, 0.5 mL/l increments of ChromKlad EMS can be

made, up to a maximum of 2.0 mL/l to maintain the foam blanket.

• If the solution is left standing idle for any long period of time (i.e.

shutdown / holidays) the surface tension of the chrome plating solution

should be measured and adjusted to below 40 mN/m with the

ChromKlad EMS. The graph above gives an indication of the

concentration of ChromKlad EMS based on the plating solution surface

tension. If required, further additions can be made to give a uniform

foam blanket.

• Effective spray control is essential (and a legal requirement). It is

strongly recommended that an efficient fume extraction system

(i.e. LEV) is also used with this product. If the foam blanket is not

controlled and there is no efficient LEV system, chromic acid mist

may be released into the workplace environment during the

chromium plating operation.

Concentration V Surface Tension of ChromKlad EMS in Hard Chrome Plating solution

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

mL/l ChromKlad EMS

Surface Tension (mN/m)
ChromKlad EMS 171712 Page 3

MacDermid plc, Palmer Street, Bordesley, Birmingham B9 4EU

International Telephone: + 44 (0) 121 606 8100 Fax: + 44 (0) 121 606 8300

Sales Order Fax: + 44 (0) 121 766 6883

www.macdermid.com

• The effectiveness of the spray suppression must be checked at least

every two weeks by a method approved by local chromium plating

regulations.

Order Information

Product Product Code Pack Size

ChromKlad EMS 171172 5 L

Disclaimer

Any information given here relating to Health & Safety should be regarded as general advice and is not to be

regarded as comprehensive or definitive.

Every user should also be in possession of Safety Data Sheets for each individual product/chemical used. These are

available for all products sold by MacDermid plc.

The Safety Data Sheet contains the definitive advice.

All statements, information and data contained herein are published as a guide and although believed to be accurate

and reliable (having regard to the manufacturers practical experience) neither the manufacturer, licensor, seller nor

publisher represents or warrants, expressly or implied (1) their accuracy / reliability (2) that the use of the product(s)

will not infringe third party rights (3) that no further safety measures are required to meet local legislation. All sales by

the manufacturer/seller are based on their respective conditions of sale available on request.

May 2010

Version 1.0