1. Scope

1.1 This test standard covers equipment and methods for using phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) to detect gross defects and mechanical damage including wear through in metallic coatings of gold, silver, or palladium. These metals comprise the topmost metallic layers over substrates of nickel, copper, or copper alloys.

1.2 Recent reviews of porosity testing, which include those for gross defects, and testing methods can be found in the lierature. An ASTM guide to the selection of porosity and gross defect tests for electrodeposits and related metallic coatings is available as Guide B 765. Other related porosity and gross defects test standards are Test Methods B 735, B 741, B 798, B 799, B 809, and B 866.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are the preferred units. Those in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

B374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating

B488 Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Gold for Engineering Uses

B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use

B679 Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium for Engineering Use

B689 Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings

B735 Test Method for Porosity in Gold Coatings on Metal Substrates by Nitric Acid Vapor

B741 Test Method for Porosity In Gold Coatings On Metal Substrates By Paper Electrography

B765 Guide for Selection of Porosity and Gross Defect Tests for Electrodeposits and Related Metallic Coatings

B798 Test Method for Porosity in Gold or Palladium Coatings on Metal Substrates by Gel-Bulk Electrography

B799 Test Method for Porosity in Gold and Palladium Coatings by Sulfurous Acid/Sulfur-Dioxide Vapor

B809 Test Method for Porosity in Metallic Coatings by Humid Sulfur Vapor (Flowers-of-Sulfur)

B866 Test Method for Gross Defects and Mechanical Damage in Metallic Coatings by Polysulfide Immersion

Keywords

electrodeposits; gross defects; mechanical damage; metallic coatings; porosity; testing for defects; wear through; Damage assessment; Defects--coatings; Electrodeposited coatings; Gold metals/alloys; Gross defects; Mechanical damage; Metallic coatings; Palladium; Phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) method; Silver; Wear-through;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 25.220.40 (Metallic coatings)

DOI: 10.1520/B0877-96R03

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