Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG 

Grünewalder Str. 29-31 42657 Solingen 

Phone +49 212 2494-700 • Fax +49 212 2494-715 • info@igos.de • www.igos.de 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Page 1 of 22 

 

 

 

 

 

oÉéçêí=çå=cáåÇáåÖë=

OMNNMRMU=

-english editiondated 

14th July 2012 

 

 

Commissioning Party: 

 

Merck KGaA 

Dr Gerhard Jonschker 

Frankfurter Strasse 250 

64293 Darmstadt 

 

 

Testing location: 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG 

Grünewalder Str. 29-31 

42657 Solingen 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 2 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

The task 

Dr Jonschker of Merck KGaA commissioned IGOS to analyse the way a particular wetting 

agent produced by his company worked in comparison with two other wetting agents 

(competitors' products) in a Cr(VI) electrolyte under real plating conditions. 

Cr(VI) electrolytes are used to create high-gloss and hard chromium coatings. When 

chromium is deposited from solutions containing Cr(VI), large quantities of hydrogen gas 

are released which causes corresponding amounts of aerosols containing Cr(VI) to collect 

on the surface of the electrolyte. The efficiency rating of Cr(VI) electrolyte is approx. 20%, 

i.e. 20% of the electricity applied is used for metallic deposition while the remaining 80% 

is used to generate hydrogen gas. 

The wetting agents are used in conjunction with Cr(VI) electrolyte mainly to reduce the 

amount of chromium aerosols generated during electrolysis or prevent them completely. 

It was agreed that IGOS would analyse the effectiveness of the three wetting agents by 

comparing the volumes of Cr(VI) in the extracted air in a controlled experimental set-up. 

Wetting agents 

Designations of wetting agents:

1. Merck KGaA MAFS-010 (batch OF1TM0146) 

2. Atotech Deutschland GmbH Fumetrol FL 21 

3. HSO Herbert Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG HSO chrome wetting agent FL 

The solution concentration was in accordance with supplier's instructions:

1. MAFS-010 (batch OF1TM0146) 0.4 ml/l 

2. Fumetrol FL 21 2.0 – 2.5 ml/l 

3. HSO chrome wetting agent FL 0.1 ml/l 

Implementation 

Test period: 01/2012 – 05/2012 

Tester: Kuhn 

It was agreed that, initially, the wetting agents would be analysed in connection with 

deposition using a hard chromium electrolyte and, in a second phase, deposition in 

connection with a high-gloss chromium electrolyte. 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 3 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

1st test phase 

In the first test phase, a series of tests was carried out for deposition of hard-chromium 

coatings. 

For all these tests, the following basic electrolyte was used: 

Atotech Heef 25 hard-chromium electrolyte 

a) Process parameters of the chromium electrolytes used: 

 260 g/l Atotech Heef 25 make-up salt 

 approx. 3 g/l Cr(III) 

 approx. 3 g/l sulphate 

Electrolyte volume: 4.5 l (5 l glass beaker) 

Electrolyte surface: 2 dm2 

Electrolyte temperature: 55-60 °C 

Electricity supply: 40 A 

Specimen surface area 0.8 dm2 

Current density: 50 A/dm2 

Cathode: 1 round Cu rod dimensions  1.5 x 20 cm 

 Immersion depth: 1.7 dm, equivalent to 0.8 dm2 

Anodes: 2 x PbSn6 dimensions: 17 x 5 cm 

Fig. 01 

Experimental set-up 

Electrolytic cell 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 4 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

b) Process parameters for extracted air by analogy to DIN EN 13284 

Exhaust system: Piping:  50 mm with 13 drilled holes, 

Each hole: 11 mm, arranged around the rim of the 

glass beaker 

Air exhaust speed: approx. 5 m/s 

Quantity of air exhausted: 3 l/min 

Fig. 02 

Experimental set-up for air 

exhaust 

Overview 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 5 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 03 

Experimental set-up for air 

exhaust 

Detail view of electrolyte air 

exhaust on the electrolyte 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 6 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

c) Process parameters Cr(VI) for taking specimens from exhaust air 

Specimen hole: 55 cm above level of electrolyte 

Measuring probe diameter: 4 mm 

Taking sample of air: Muenke wash bottles with filter cartridges 

Exhaust quantity: between 100 and 150 l; the exact volume was recorded 

using a calibrated gas meter 

Fig. 04 

Overview 

Sampling the exhaust air 

(arrow) 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 7 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 05 

Sampling using wash 

bottles 

d) Process parameters for Cr(VI) analysis in accordance with DIN EN 15205 

 Transfer eluate to a 100 ml volumetric flask 

 Add 2 ml of phosphoric acid (700 g/l) 

 Add 1 ml diphenylcarbazide (0.1 g/10 ml acetone) 

 Wait to allow 10 min reaction time 

 Measurement of absorption in a UV spectrometer at 540 nm using a 50 mm 

cuvette 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 8 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

e) Measuring surface tension 

Measuring equipment: Sita pro line t15 

Measuring temperature: 23-25 °C 

Sample taken: approx. 40 ml electrolyte 

Bubble lifetime: Merck wetting agent: 0.16 s 

 Atotech wetting agent: 6.5 s 

 HSO wetting agent: 13 s 

A change in the surface tension can allow the concentration of wetting agent in the 

electrolyte to be deduced for a given bubble lifetime. 

To generate the calibration curve, we selected the bubble lifetime of each additive 

that produced the maximum change in surface tension for different concentrations. 

Measuring surface tension 

Graph 01: Measurement of surface tension for Merck wetting agent 

 Calibration curves 

Merck MAFS-010 batch OF1TM0146

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

0,015

0,021

0,029

0,040

0,060

0,080

0,110

0,160

0,220

0,300

0,450

0,600

0,850

1,200

1,700

2,300

3,500

4,500

6,500

9,000

13,000

15,000

Bubble lifetime s

Surface tension mN / m

ohne Netzmittel

Netzmittel 0,04 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,08 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,12 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,16 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,20 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,24 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,28 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,32 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,36 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,40 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,44 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,48 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,52 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,56 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,60 ml/l
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 9 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Atotech Fumetrol FL 21

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

0,015

0,021

0,029

0,040

0,060

0,080

0,110

0,160

0,220

0,300

0,450

0,600

0,850

1,200

1,700

2,300

3,500

4,500

6,500

9,000

13,000

15,000

Blasenlebensdauer s

Oberflächenspannung mN / 

m

ohne Netzmittel

Netzmittel 0,25 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,50 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,75 ml/l

Netzmittel 1,00 ml/l

Netzmittel 1,25 ml/l

Netzmittel 1,50 ml/l

Netzmittel 1,75 ml/l

Netzmittel 2,00 ml/l

Netzmittel 2,25 ml/l

Netzmittel 2,50 ml/l

Netzmittel 2,75 ml/l

Netzmittel 3,00 ml/l

Netzmittel 3,25 ml/l

Netzmittel 3,50 ml/l

Graph 02: Measurement of surface tension for Atotech wetting agent 

 Calibration curves 

HSO Chrom Netzmittel FL

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

0,015

0,021

0,029

0,040

0,060

0,080

0,110

0,160

0,220

0,300

0,450

0,600

0,850

1,200

1,700

2,300

3,500

4,500

6,500

9,000

13,000

15,000

Blasenlebensdauer s

Oberflächenspannung mN / 

m

ohne Netzmittel

Netzmittel 0,01 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,02 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,03 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,04 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,05 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,06 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,07 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,08 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,09 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,10 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,11 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,12 ml/l

Netzmittel 0,13 ml/l

Graph 03: Measurement of surface tension for HSO wetting agent 

 Calibration curves 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 10 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Results under hard chrome-plating conditions 

1. Cr(VI) measurement with chromium electrolyte without wetting agent 

Abluftmessung 50 A/dm2 ohne Netzmittel 10.-15.02.2012

347

390

280 282

327

425

448

372

529

378

0

200

400

600

μg / m3 Chrom (VI)

Mittel

wert

Graph 04 Results of extracted air measurements at 50 A/dm2 without wetting agent 

 All measurements are in μg/m3 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 11 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 06 

Electrolytic cell for 

Graph 04 

 

Fig. 07 

Exhaust air sampling for 

Graph 04 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 12 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

2. Cr(VI) measurements with chromium electrolytes with wetting agent 

 

515

593

43 20 17 7 6

936

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

950

1000

μg / m3 Chrom (VI)

Fa. Merck

 = 681 μg/m3

Fa. HSO

 = 6 μg/m3

Fa. Atotech

 = 27 μg/m3

ohne NM

378 μ/m3

Graph 05 Results of extracted air measurements at 50 A/dm2 with wetting agent 

 All measurements are in μg/m3 

Type of wetting agent Concentration of Cr(VI) 

in extracted air 

Without wetting agent approx. 378 μg / m3 

Merck wetting agent approx.600 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent approx.20 μg / m3 

HSO wetting agent approx.10 μg / m3 

Table 01: Summary of measuring results – 50 A/dm2 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 13 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 08 

Electrolytic cells for 

Graph 5 

Overview: 

Electrolytes from left to 

right:

with Merck wetting agent 

with Atotech wetting agent 

with HSO wetting agent 

 

Fig. 09 

Electrolytic cell with Merck 

wetting agent 

No frothing 

CrO3 deposits in the 

vicinity of the intakes 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 14 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 10 

Electrolytic cell 

with Atotech wetting agent 

Considerable frothing 

(columnar) 

 

Fig. 11 

Electrolytic cell with HSO 

wetting agent 

Considerable frothing, 

pancake-type spread 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 15 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

2nd test phase 

In the second test phase, a series of tests was carried out for deposition of decorative 

high-gloss chromium coatings. 

For all the tests, the following basic electrolyte was used, i.e. the same electrolyte as 

for the hard-chromium tests: 

Atotech Heef 25 hard-chromium electrolyte 

Process parameters for chromium electrolyte: 

 260 g/l Atotech Heef 25 make-up salt 

 approx. 3 g/l Cr(III) 

 approx. 3 g/l sulphate 

Electrolyte volume: 4.5 l (5 l glass beaker) 

Electrolyte surface: 2 dm2 

Electrolyte temperature: 55-60°C 

Electricity supply: 16 A 

Area coated: 0.8 dm2 

Current density: 20 A/dm2 

Cathode: 1 round Cu rod dimensions  1.5 x 20 cm 

 Immersion depth: 1.7 dm, equivalent to 0.8 dm2 

Anodes: 2 x PbSn6 dimensions: 17 x 5 cm 

Wetting agent tested: 

MAFS-010 (batch OF1TM0146) 0.4 ml/l 

Fumetrol FL 21 2.0 – 2.5 ml/l 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 16 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Abluftmessung 20 A/dm2 07. / 15.05.2012

1 1 6

981 989

1077

728

854

765

1039

563

537

21 12 4

0

200

400

600

800

1000

μg / m3 Chrom (VI)

Blindwert 1

Blindwert 2

Blindwert 3

M1 ohne Netzmittel 

M2 ohne Netzmittel 

M3 ohne Netzmittel 

M1 / 0,4 ml/l Merck-Netzmittel

M2 / 0,4 ml/l Merck-Netzmittel

M3 / 0,4 ml/l Merck-Netzmittel

M4 ohne Netzmittel 

M5 ohne Netzmittel 

M6 ohne Netzmittel 

M1 / 2,5 ml/l Atotech-Netzmittel

M2 / 2,5 ml/l Atotech-Netzmittel

M3 / 2,5 ml/l Atotech-Netzmittel

Graph 06 Results of extracted air measurements at 20 A/dm2 

 All measurements are in μg/m3 

Type of wetting agent Concentration of Cr(VI) 

in extracted air 

Reference value* approx. 5 μg / m3 

Without wetting agent approx. 1000 μg / m3 

Merck wetting agent approx. 800 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent approx.20 μg / m3 

Table 02: Summary of measuring results - 20 A/dm2 

 

*

 Measurement performed with no current flowing and without wetting agent to provide a lower limit value 

for the analysis under test conditions 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 17 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 12 

Electrolytic cell with Merck 

wetting agent 

No frothing 

 

Fig. 13 

Cr(VI) deposits visible in 

the wash bottle in the 

samples using Merck 

wetting agent 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 18 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Fig. 14 

Electrolytic cell with 

Atotech wetting agent 

Minor frothing around the 

electrodes 

 

Fig. 15 

No Cr(VI) deposits visible in 

the wash bottle in the 

samples using Atotech 

wetting agent 

 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 19 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

3rd test phase 

In the third test phase, a series of tests was carried out for deposition of hardchromium coatings. 

For all the tests, the following basic electrolyte was used, i.e. the same electrolyte as 

for all the chromium plating tests: 

Atotech Heef 25 hard-chromium electrolyte 

The objective of the tests was to analyse the de-frothing effect of MAFS-010 on the 

Atotech Fumetrol FL 21 wetting agent. 

For the tests, the following wetting agents and wetting agent concentrations were 

used: 

Fumetrol FL 21 / Atotech 

one-off addition of 1.75 ml/l 

MAFS-010 (batch OF1TM0146) / Merck 

additions of 2 ml/l to 4 m/l 

Once the concentration of Merck wetting agent reached 4 ml/l, 4 ml/l of Atotech 

wetting agent was added to determine whether the tendency shown by the Merck 

wetting agent could be reversed by adding Atotech wetting agent. 

Process parameters for chromium electrolyte: 

 260 g/l Atotech Heef 25 make-up salt 

 approx. 3 g/l Cr(III) 

 approx. 3 g/l sulphate 

Electrolyte volume: 4.5 l (5 l glass beaker) 

Electrolyte surface: 2 dm2 

Electrolyte temperature: 55-60°C 

Electricity supply: 40 A 

Area coated: 0.8 dm2 

Current density: 50 A/dm2 

Cathode: 1 round Cu rod dimensions  1.5 x 20 cm 

 Immersion depth: 1.7 dm, equivalent to 0.8 dm2 

Anodes: 2 x PbSn6 dimensions: 17 x 5 cm 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 20 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Abluftmessung 50 A/dm2 26.03. / 27.03.2012

833

588

16

79

31

160

332

541

298

0

200

400

600

800

μg / m3 Chrom (VI)

Netzmittel Merck 0,34 ml/l

Netzmittel Merck 0,34 ml/l

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 2 ml/l Merck-N.

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 2,8 ml/l Merck-N.

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 3,2 ml/l Merck-N.

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 3,6 ml/l Merck-N.

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 4,0 ml/l Merck-N.

Netzmittel Atotech 1,75 ml/l 

+ 4,0 ml/l Merck-N. 

+ 4,0 ml/l Atotech-N.

Graph 07 Results of extracted air measurements at 50 A/dm2 with wetting agent. 

 Atotech wetting agent with added Merck wetting agent 

 All measurements are in μg/m3
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 21 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Type of wetting agent Concentration of Cr(VI) 

in exhaust air 

Merck wetting agent (w.a.): 

0.34 ml/l approx. 600 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l approx. 20 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 2 ml/l Merck w.a. 

approx. 80 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 2.8 ml/l Merck w.a. 

approx. 40 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 3.2 ml/l Merck w.a. 

approx. 160 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 3.6 ml/l Merck w.a. 

approx. 330 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 4.0 ml/l Merck w.a. 

approx. 540 μg / m3 

Atotech wetting agent: 

1.75 ml/l 

Added 4.0 ml/l Merck w.a. 

Added 4.0 ml/l Atotech w.a. 

approx. 300 μg / m3 

Table 03: Summary of measuring results – 50 A/dm2 
Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Page 22 of 22 

Solingen GmbH & Co. KG UB 20110508-en dated 14th July 2012 

Institut für Galvano- und Oberflächentechnik Solingen GmbH & Co. KG • Grünewalder Str. 29-31 • 42657 Solingen 

The results of this analysis relate only to the samples provided to IGOS GmbH & Co KG for testing purposes and cannot necessarily be 

applied to the remainder of the batch. This Report on Findings may only be disseminated in an unmodified form and in its entirety. 

Reports on Findings not bearing our signature are invalid. 

Conclusions 

1. Cr(VI) emissions during electrolytic chromium plating using MAFS-010 chrome 

wetting agent (batch OF1TM0146) and current density of 50 A/dm2 are increased by 

approx. 20%. 

2. Cr(VI) emissions during electrolytic chromium plating using MAFS-010 chrome 

wetting agent (batch OF1TM0146) and current density of 20 A/dm2 are not reduced. 

3. The two competitors' products tested reduced emissions by >95%. 

4. Chrome wetting agent MAFS-010 showed different behaviour as regards dynamic 

surface tension in chromium electrolytes from that shown by the products available on 

the market. Even at very low bubble lifetime, MAFS-010 resulted in a considerably 

more pronounced reduction in surface tension by comparison. 

5. In conjunction with the columnar frothing seen with Fumetrol FL 21 wetting agent, 

MAFS-010 had a destabilising effect on the froth. When the froth was eliminated, 

however, Cr(VI) emissions increased despite the presence of Fumetrol FL 21. 

IGOS GmbH & Co. KG 

Dipl.-Ing. Josef Andrek 

Managing Director 

Thomas Kuhn 

Master Electroplater