Effect of current density and temperature variations of chrome electroplating process on thickness, hardness and corrosion rate of AISI 1045 steel

The use of steel in the present has progressed very rapidly and is generally used for machinery, construction, oil / gas pipelines, machinery shafts, etc. But the use of this steel becomes less maximal if the metal become corroded and worn out. To overcome this, the surface coating process can be carried out using the electroplating method. The specimen used is steel AISI 1045 with dimensions of 32 x 12 x 5 mm. This study aims to see the effect of current and temperature density on thickness, hardness, and corrosion rate of the coating, to determine the highest and lowest cathode efficiency values in chrome plating on AISI 1045 steel. Chrome electroplating process was carried out in electrolyte solutions containing chrome with variations in current density (30 A/dm2, 40 A/dm2, 50 A/dm2, 60 A/dm2) and temperature (40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C). Thickness testing was done by SEM, then hardness testing used micro-vickers hardness test method, while corrosion rate testing was carried out by OCP (Open Circuit Polarization) method in NaCl solution with 3% concentration. Thickness, hardness, and corrosion rate test results show an increase in current density in the chrome electroplating process will increase the coating thickness, hardness, and reduce the corrosion rate. However, an increase in temperature will decrease the coating thickness, hardness, and increase the corrosion rate.