Process additives

Our range of organic process additives for electroplating applications includes both intermediates and mixtures. Organic intermediates – but especially surfactants – are important raw materials for the formulation of electroplating baths. They act as grain refiners, brighteners or as solubilisers for other bath components. Our ready-to-use formulations contain fine-tuned components for specific applications in electroplating, e.g. for the pre-treatment and post-processing of coated components. In the special case of electroless tin plating, we offer application-ready processes for the plating of aluminium and copper components with TIB Stanal and TIB SpeedPlate.

The TIB Suract DRY formulation from TIB Chemicals ensures energy savings during drying processes. Major advantage: the product works at room temperature and works on all types of metal surfaces. TIB Suract DRY was originally developed for the fast and uncomplicated drying of freshly tinned printed circuit board tracks. The aim was to avoid corrosion phenomena without affecting the soldering properties of the tin surface. The hydrophobic film that forms at room temperature allows the component surface to dry quickly even with unfavourable geometry and provides temporary protection against corrosion during subsequent storage. If the film needs to be removed for further processing of the component, no additional chemicals are required: A short rinse with hot water is sufficient.  

Fluorosurfactants are extremely stable wetting agents for demanding chemical environments, such as chromic acid-based chrome plating baths. However, the stability of fluorosurfactants also accounts for their high persistence and bioaccumulability, which is why they are to be replaced in most applications. With TIB Suract CR-H, TIB Chemicals offers a fluorosurfactant-free alternative for bright, black and even hard chrome baths. The advantages are obvious: the patented active ingredient is completely biodegradable. At the same time, its effectiveness in chromic acid baths is guaranteed. The prerequisite is the constant addition of a highly diluted solution of the additive during the coating process.