ANKOR®

PF1 

PFOS free low foam chrome surfactant 

ANKOR PF1 is a PFOS, PFOA and PFT free low-foaming surfactant that is highly stable in Hard Chrome 

plating environments. . The mist/spray suppressing effect is based on surface tension reduction than on

formation of a foam blanket to prevent spray form the chromium electrolyte solution. READ ENTIRE 

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. 

Function, performance and handling of this product are similar to traditional PFOS based chrome surfactants

as ANKOR SRK. ANKOR PF1 is formulated to perform also at elevated temperatures as 140°F (60°C) 

where other potential PFOS replacement products have failed by breaking down too fast. 

In addition to prevention of spray by reduction of the surface tension, the ANKOR PF1 will reduce drag-out

losses. Consumption is based on drag-out and ampere-hours plated. ANKOR PF1 does not affect the

physical or corrosion properties of the resulting chrome deposits. 

Wetting agent ANKOR PF1 is an easy to pump pink color concentrate suitable for auto dosing equipment. 

The surfactant can be directly added to the process solution without prior dilution. 

MAKE-UP

Make-up quantity: 1.5 – 2.0 ml/l ANKOR PF1

FUNCTION AND CONTROL OF THE SURFACTANT 

By addition of 2 ml/l ANKOR PF1 to a chrome solution, the surface tension of the electrolytes is reduced 

from about 70 dynes/cm to 31 dynes/cm. Spray is typically prevented when the surface tension falls below 

40 dynes/cm with this type of surfactant. Nevertheless it is beneficial to drop the surface tension significantly 

below 40dynes/cm for best results. When surface tension is maintained at 30 mN/m the consumption rate

will be lower than operating the product at 40 dynes/cm as the initial appearance of spray consumes a 

proportionally larger amount of surfactant from the process solution. 

Additions of ANKOR PF1 are recommended to done based on observation of the small amount of foam

generated during operation is steps of 0.5 ml/l. The concentration of ANKOR PF1 in the process solution

can be determined by measuring the surface tension with a ring tensiometer and use of the graph attached

below. 

ANKOR PF1

Influence on surface tension of Chromium plating solutions

80 72

Surface tension [dynes/cm]

60

70

Issued : March 2009

 Spsds : new 

1

40

31 27 24 21 20

0

10

20

30

40

50

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Concentration ANKOR PF1 [mL/L]
ANKOR PF1 

Technical Data Sheet 

Issued: March 2009 

Spsd: new 

2

CAUTION!

Even a very thin foam blanket contains the oxygen and hydrogen gas which develops during electrolysis. 

Open fire and sparks have to be avoided to prevent ignition and explosion of this explosive gas mixture. 

Switch off current prior to loading or taking out work pieces. In case of failure of the exhaust, care has to be 

taken that the developing hydrogen is drawn off by sufficient aeration of the workroom. 

CONSUMPTION RATE

The consumption rate of ANKOR PF1 can deviate according to individual operation and equipment 

circumstances. High levels of impurity metals increase the consumption rate. 

According to our experience, a consumption rate of 50 - 150 ml ANKOR PF1 can be expected per 10,000 

Ah. Without any drag out losses of solution as for some Hard Chrome application a consumption rate of 

about 50 ml/10,000 Ah has been observed but may vary significantly from case to case.

EFFLUENT TREATMENT

ANKOR PF1 will not break down to PFOS, PFOA or PFT and meets the recent demand in several countries 

for PFOS replacement as the U.S. PFOA Stewardship Program. Instructions can be taken from the 

Technical Data Sheets belonging to the specific process. ANKOR PF1 is not bio degradable in the sense of 

the EU 648/2004 Directive and based on Poly Fluorinated Surfactants. 

FOR THE MAKE UP AND MAINTENANCE THE FOLLOWING CHEMICALS ARE REQUIRED

ANKOR PF1 

HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING! ANKOR PF1 AND THE OPERATING SOLUTION MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE SKIN, 

EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. 

HAZARDS: ANKOR PF1 and the operating solution may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory 

tract. Ingestion may cause irritation to the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. DEVELOPMENTAL 

ABNORMALITIES EFFECTS: Contains material(s), which may cause developmental abnormalities effects. 

CA PROP 65: Contains material(s) known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and or 

reproductive harm. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Do not inhale or take internally. 

 

FIRST AID: In case of contact of ANKOR PF1 and the operating solution with skin or eyes, flush with plenty 

of clean, cool water for at least 30 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. For eyes and skin 

contact, get immediate medical attention. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If exposed person is not breathing, 

give artificial respiration or oxygen applied by trained personnel. Get immediate medical attention. If 

ingested, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by 

mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical attention. 

HANDLING INFORMATION: When preparing or maintaining solutions, always add ANKOR PF1 and the 

operating solution slowly and cautiously. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Use only with adequate 

ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors or mist. Do not take internally. When handling ANKOR PF1 and the 

operating solution wear protective clothing, chemical safety goggles, respirator, face shield and chemicalresistant, impervious gloves. Avoid contact with alkalis and any other foreign materials. Exhaust ventilation 

is required to remove vapors or mists that may be generated during make-up and operation. Wash 

thoroughly after handling. 

CONTAINER INFORMATION: Keep containers tightly closed. Store indoors in a cool, well-ventilated area. 

Keep away from alkalis, metals, organic materials, acids, oxidizing agents and reducing agents. Loosen 

containers cautiously when opening. Do not reuse containers, wash thoroughly before disposal. Improper 

disposal or reuse of containers may be dangerous and illegal. 

REFER TO MSDS(s) FOR FURTHER HEALTH, SAFETY AND HANDLING INFORMATION 
ANKOR PF1 

Technical Data Sheet 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS 

For more detailed information on the toxicological properties of the products described herein, reference can 

be made to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product. If you do not have the proper MSDS, it

can be requested from: Enthone Inc., attention: Regulatory Affairs Department, 350 Frontage Road, West

Haven, CT 06516. For emergency assistance call CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300. 

WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER 

The information presented herein is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate and all recommendations

and suggestions appearing in this bulletin covering the use of our products are based upon information believed to be reliable. However, since the conditions of use are beyond our control, this information is given 

on the express condition and agreement that Enthone Inc. will not be liable to any person in contract, tort

(including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any claims, damages or losses whatsoever. Nothing 

herein shall be deemed a recommendation to use any product or process in violation of any existing patent 

rights and no warranties, expressed or implied, are made regarding the information, product, processes, 

recommendations, description and safety notations contained herein. The above includes proprietary 

information of Enthone Inc. and is furnished to you for your use solely on products or processes supplied by

us to you. 

CUSTOMER ORDER CENTERS

UNITED STATES

Enthone Inc.

350 Frontage Road 

West Haven, Connecticut 06516

(800) 496-8326 

Fax (203) 933-0249 

ctchemorders@cooksonelectronics.com

MEXICO 

Enthone de Mexico S.A. de C.V. 

Norte 59 No. 896 

02300 Col. Industrial Vallejo

Mexico, D.F.

(011-52-55) 5078-3904 

Fax (011-52-5) 567-6326 

BRAZIL 

Cookson Electronics Brasil Ltda. 

Av José Odorizzi, 650 

Sao Bernardo do Campo – SP – CEP 09810-000 

Brazil 

(011-55) 11 43532523 

Fax (011-55) 43532521 

vendas@cooksonelectronics.com 

www.cooksonelectronics.com ® Registered Trademark of Enthone Inc. TM Trademark of Enthone Inc. 

Issued: March 2009 

Spsd: new 

3

17 March 2009