Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) as Activation Solution

OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The project proposal is aiming to replace the current activating agent which is the sulfuric acid. The proposed new
activating agent has the potential to produce the same work and functions of the sulfuric acid. Along with this
capability, the market price of Hydrochloric acid is lesser than sulfuric acid. The cheaper price is significant relative
to the cost, and this is what the project is trying to deliver and achieve, to come up with alternative having the
same efficiency, and may even improve the quality of product, but of lesser cost.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Acid activation is used as pretreatment to the material before plating. It is employed in the process to remove
oxide films found in metals. It therefore cleanses the surface for better adhesion.

Hydrochloric acid behaves differently with metals, it is very destructive at high concentration but very
efficient in dissolving oxides at specific concentration regardless of the kind of metal. This player is
widely employed in many plating industries because it is cheaper and can be recovered. The
prerequisites in the execution of the project do not further demands additional materials or cost
because the materials are available. The primary focus is to replace the sulfuric acid, deliver good
quality, and making it sustainable. The table below illustrates the comparison of the common
characteristics between the two acids.
Sulfuric Acid Hydrochloric Acid

Eliminate oxides Eliminate oxides

Soluble in water Soluble in water

Produces sulfates when reacted with metals Produces chloride salts when reacted with metals

Market price is high: P30.22/liter Market price is lower: 20.xx/liter

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The project is limited to changing only the solution of activation. No further alteration in other processes. The
volume of the solution is expected to be the same. The materials needed includes hull cell apparatus for laboratory
experimentation. The project can be completed over a month due to extensive evaluation. Persons involve may
require only one or two to perform the experiments. The project may have direct effect to the quality of the
product but along the experimentation the team will establish control to contain the possible negative outcome.

METHODOLOGY

Activities will be conducted for experimenting in laboratory scale through hull cell. The procedure includes varying
of concentration that may range from 1%-4% v/v HCl. The rate of depletion is also considered to establish
frequency of renewal and analysis. After determining important control parameters and has produced good
results, the project may proceed to the actual line production for verification and evaluation of results. The
analysis is acid-base titration, and may include determination of impurities and salts.
 Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

 Hull cell test for  Actual line trial sample for  Actual line production for
determining the optimum verification of results. determining rate of
concentration with  Evaluation of results depletion/saturation of
respect to the through appearance impurities.
appearance, bend test, (visual/micro), bend test,  Establishment of the
adhesion test, etc. adhesion test, etc. frequency of renewal of
solution and analysis.