Liquid concentrate ACTANE 341 is a liquid concentrate when dissolved in water produces an acid solution designed to replace most mineral acid pickling and activating solutions used in electroplating, phosphating, and heat treating applications. This unwetted activator will produce a smut-free, active metal surfaces on steel, zinc, brass, copper, nickel, aluminum, pewter, Kovar and Invar. READ ENTIRE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. When used as a cathodic electrolyte, the ACTANE 341 acid activator is effective in removing tenacious oxides, smuts and scale. The use of cathodic current will improve the effectiveness of nickel activation cycles. HOW TO USE ACTANE 341 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PROPERTY Form Fluoride Surface Active Agents Liquid Yes None OPERATING CONDITIONS Operation as Immersion Process For Steel Surfaces General 90 sec to 2 min Stampings Prior to Nickel Plating 90 sec 1 to 2 min Brazed Tubular Stock 15 sec to 1 min 2004, Enthone Inc. Issued: 15 Sep 04 Spsds: New
Page 2 of 5 OPERATING CONDITIONS (Cont.) For Steel Surfaces Stampings Prior to Zinc Plating 120 F (49 C) 110 to 130 F (43 to 55 C) 20 to 40 sec After Heat Treating 130 F (55 C) As required 120 to 140 F (49 to 60 C) Prior to Phosphating 2 min 1 to 3 min For Nonferrous Surfaces For Zinc Die Castings Prior to Bright Copper Plating 6% by vol (60 ml/l) 15 sec 3 to 9% by vol (30 to 90 ml/l) 10 to 20 sec Copper Plated Zinc Die Castings Prior to Nickel and Buffed Brass Prior to Plating 12% by vol (120 ml/l) 60 sec 8 to 18% by vol (80 to 180 ml/l) 45 to 90 sec Nickel for Activation 120 F (49 C) 60 sec 18 to 30% by vol (180 to 300 ml/l) 110 to 130 F (43 to 55 C) 30 to 90 sec For Aluminum Prior to Plating 180 F (82 C) 30 to 60 % by vol (300 to 600 ml/l) 160 to 190 F (71 to 88 C) 20 to 40 sec For Immersion Chromium Stripping 180 F (82 C) 2 min 18 to 30% by vol (180 to 300 ml/l) 160 to 190 F (71 to 88 C) 1 to 3 min Operation As Cathode Electrolyte Cathode Current Density 60 A/ft 2 (6 A/dm 2 ) 50 to 100 A/ft 2 (5 to 10 A/dm 2 ) Voltage 6 volts 2 to 6 volts MAKE-UP 1. Add 75% of water required to the tank. 2. Add with continuous stirring the required amount of ACTANE 341. 3. Add water to final volume. Adjust to operating temperature
Page 3 of 5 OPERATION High concentrations of ACTANE 341 acid activator may etch some base metals and low acid concentrations may result in subsequent plating problems. The ACTANE 341 acid activator process should be operated and maintained at recommended concentration levels. Routine acid analysis should be used to determine maintenance additions. If problems persist following solution adjustments, the solution should be discarded and replaced. (A common practice is to discard the acid activator solution concurrently with the discarded alkaline cleaner.) EQUIPMENT NEEDED Tanks Heating Coils Ventilation Electrodes (when current is used) Lined tanks required. Koroseal linings are recommended for temperatures up to 150 F (66 C). For temperatures in excess of 150 F (66 C), high temperature rubber is recommended. For ambient temperatures; rubber, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene or lead may also be used. Karbate, Graphite or chemical lead. Required for heated solutions and/or when using current. Solution is classified A-3 by OSHA. Graphite or chemical lead. CONTROL The following analytical procedures are recommended for use by personnel who have been trained to use laboratory practices which are considered safe and prudent by chemical industry standards. Such practices include suitable personal protective equipment, the use of proper equipment, the use of proper methods of handling all chemicals and proper laboratory procedures. Use only analytical reagent grade chemicals and deionized or distilled water in the following analytical procedures. CAUTION: The following procedures involve the use of potentially hazardous chemicals. Consult manufacturer's material safety data sheets and follow the appropriate safety precautions. Equipment Needed 10.0 ml pipet 25 ml graduated cylinder 50 ml buret 300 ml Erlenmeyer flask Reagents Needed Procedure 1.0 N Sodium Hydroxide Standard Bromcresol Green Indicator ANALYSIS OF ACTANE 341 1. Pipet 10 ml of the ACTANE 341 acid activator to be analyzed into a 300 ml Erlenmeyer flask. 2. Add approximately 25 ml distilled water. Swirl to mix. 3. Add 3 drops of Bromcresol Green Indicator. 4. Titrate the solution in the Erlenmeyer flask with a standardized 1.0 normal sodium hydroxide solution to a blue-green end point.
Page 4 of 5 Calculation % by vol ACTANE 341 acid activator = V 1 x 0.64 ml/l ACTANE 341 acid activator = V 1 x 6.4 Where V 1 is the titration volume obtained in Step 4. SAFETY AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS DANGER! ACTANE 341 AND THE OPERATING SOLUTION CONTAIN AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE AND SULFURIC ACID, WHICH MAY CAUSE SEVERE SKIN AND EYE BURNS. ENSURE THAT COMPANY PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST AID AND MEDICAL TREATMENT IN CASE OF FLUORIDE EXPOSURE IS IN PLACE HAZARDS: ACTANE 341 and the operating solution contain ammonium bifluoride and sulfuric acid which may cause severe burns to skin and eyes, possible blindness. Inhalation of vapors or mist may cause burns to respiratory tract, headaches, pulmonary and edema. Ingestion may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach, maybe fatal. Contact with most metals will generate hydrogen, a highly flammable and explosive gas. May react violently with water. Sulfuric acid is a potential carcinogen. ACTANE 341 and the operating solution also contain ammonium bifluoride, which may be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Chronic exposure to fluoride may cause mottling of teeth and bone damage (osteosclerosis) and fluorosis. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not inhale or take internally. FIRST AID: In case of contact of ACTANE 341 or the operating solution with skin or eyes, flush with plenty of clean, cool water for 15 minutes; for eyes get immediate medical attention. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Treat for fluoride exposure if necessary, according to your company procedures. HANDLING INFORMATION: When preparing or adding to solutions, always add ACTANE 341 slowly and cautiously. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Avoid breathing vapors or mist. Do not take internally. When handling ACTANE 341 or the operating solution, wear protective clothing, chemical safety goggles, respirator, face shield and rubber gloves. Avoid contact with alkalis, reducing agents, combustibles or any other foreign material. Exhaust ventilation is required to remove vapors or mist that may be generated during make-up and operation. Wash thoroughly after handling. CONTAINER INFORMATION: Keep containers tightly closed. Store indoors in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep out of sun and away from alkalis and combustibles. Loosen closure cautiously when opening. Do not reuse containers, wash before disposal. Improper disposal or reuse of container may be dangerous and illegal. REFER TO MSDS FOR FURTHER SAFETY AND HANDLING INFORMATION
Page 5 of 5 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@enthone.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@enthone.com enthone.com Enthone Inc. Registered Trademark of Enthone Inc. Trademark of Enthone Inc. 19 Dec 2012_US TDS Last Page