[0001] The present invention refers to a method for preparing an electroplated product by
applying different steps, i.a. a heat treatment step, to obtain a product that is
resistant to the white haze effect. Moreover, the invention refers to such electroplated
products.
[0002] Zinc and zinc alloys are common materials used for plating in many applications.
They offer a good corrosion resistance especially for the zinc alloy with a competitive
price.
[0003] To enhance the properties of this first metal layer, it is common to use a conversion
layer (i.e. a passivation layer) on top of the zinc or zinc alloy. Among those conversion,
chromium salts are widely used in the industry for conversion layers. Hexavalent chromium
salts were historically used for conversion layers on zinc or zinc alloys but this
substance is under regulatory pressure due to its toxic nature. In consequence, trivalent
chromium conversion layers have gained more and more popularity. The colour of the
chromating layers can be varied by composition of the solutions and by the working
parameters in the treatment. A black trivalent chromium conversion layer can be obtained.
Those types of passivation layers are widely used in the automotive industry and especially
for screws and other fasteners.
[0004] Unfortunately, black pigmented passivation layers do not bear the same corrosion
protection as it is found in non-pigmented, so called clear or iridescent conversion
layers. The black pigments do not contribute to corrosion protection and to some extend
may interfere with the barrier functionality.
[0005] The black passivation layers are in particular prone to a phenomenon called white
haze. This is in particular true in a corrosive environment resulting in a white grey
layer appearing on the passivation layer. It poses a problem since this change of
appearance makes the detection of white rust quite difficult. Hence, there is a need
for a process to obtain a better resistance to white haze.
[0006] US9567453B2 discloses a water-soluble finishing agent for a trivalent chromium chemical conversion
coating film, which has low insulation, no problems with tightening properties, outstanding
gloss and high corrosion resistance, and can obtain a trivalent chromium chemical
conversion coating film, in particular a black trivalent chromium chemical conversion
coating film, having few scratches and flaws.
[0007] JP2008255408A discloses a chemical conversion coating on zinc or zinc alloy that is composed of
an aqueous solution of pH 3 to 9 containing a heated reaction product in an amount
of 0.1 to 10 g/L in terms of a chromium metal amount, the heated reaction product
being obtained by bringing at least one kind of carboxylic acids selected from a group
consisting of carboxylic acid, the ammonium salt of carboxylic acid and the acid adduct
salt of amino carboxylic acid, and a trivalent chromium compound.
[0008] WO2015036124 discloses a treatment solution for a method for producing an anti-corrosion coating
layer on a metal surface, wherein the surface to be treated is brought in contact
with a treatment solution, which contains a chromium(III) ion source, a phosphate
source, a zinc ion source, and a citrate source, wherein the amount-of-substance ratio
of chromium(III) ions to zinc ions is 1 to at least 1.65 and the amount-of-substance
ratio of chromium(III) ions to citrate is 1 to at least 1.4 and the treatment solution
is substantially free of polymers that can be obtained by reacting one or more alkoxysilanes
of the formula: R4-xSi(OR1)x.
[0009] US9499700B2 discloses a finishing agent satisfying a condition that (A) the ratio of the chromium
equivalent molar concentration of a water-soluble trivalent chromium-containing substance
contained in the finishing agent relative to the phosphorus equivalent molar concentration
of a water-soluble phosphoric acid-based compound contained in the finishing agent
is at least 0.5, or a condition that (B) a water-soluble aluminum-containing substance
and/or a water-soluble zirconium-containing substance are contained in the finishing
agent.
[0010] WO2011000969A1 discloses a method for producing an anti-corrosive cover layer, a surface to be treated
being brought into contact with an aqueous treatment solution containing chromium(III)
ions and at least one phosphate compound and an organosol. The method improves the
anti-corrosion protection of metal, in particular zinc-containing surfaces and zinc-containing
surfaces provided with conversion layers. This produces or improves the decorative
and functional properties of the surfaces.
[0011] None of those prior art documents has focused on the improvement of the resistance
to white haze for trivalent chromium passivation.
[0012] When starting from this prior art, there are many different trivalent chromium layers
with a finishing agent to enhance the properties of the compound, in particular regarding
corrosion resistance. However, it is known that such layers are temperature sensitive
since thermal treatments have the drawback to lower the corrosion resistance by generating
cracks in the passivation layer. In consequence, according to the prior art, only
drying steps with moderate temperatures around 80-120°C for a short period of time
around 10 minutes have been performed up to now.
[0013] It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide electroplated products
having a trivalent chromium passivation layer without showing any white haze.
[0014] This problem is solved by the method for preparing an electroplated product with
the features of claim 1 and the electroplated product with the features of claim 13.
The further dependent claims mention preferred embodiments.
[0015] According to the present invention a method for preparing an electroplated product
by electroplating a substrate is provided comprising the following steps:
- a) Electroplating a substrate with a first metal layer comprising or consisting of
zinc or a zinc alloy with an electrolyte comprising at least one source of zinc ions,
- b) Depositing a black passivation layer on the first metal layer wherein the black
passivation layer comprises trivalent chromium ions,
- c) Depositing a finishing agent layer on the black passivation layer,
- d) Drying of the layers at temperatures from 60 to 120 °C for 1 minutes to 20 minutes.
[0016] The trivalent chromium ions of the passivation layer are especially present in the
form of at least one trivalent chromium compound.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, after the heating in step d), in a further step e), a
heating of the layers at temperatures from 150°C to 250°C for 20 minutes to 15 hours
is conducted.
[0018] Surprisingly, it has been found that a thermal treatment for a longer duration with
a higher temperature (at least 150°C) increased the resistance to white haze if it
was done after the deposition of the finishing agent layer. It is also possible to
add an additional top coating if dedicated surface properties like friction, wear
resistance etc. are required.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc alloy of the first metal layer is selected from
the group consisting of zinc nickel alloys, zinc iron alloys and zinc nickel iron
alloys.
[0020] In a more preferred embodiment, the first metal layer comprises a zinc nickel alloy
with from 10 wt.-% to 20 wt.-% of nickel, preferably from 11 wt.-% to 18 wt.-% of
nickel, more preferably from 12 wt.-% to 15 wt.-% of nickel, or consists thereof.
[0021] In a more preferred embodiment, the first metal layer comprises a zinc iron alloy
with from 2 wt.-% to 18 wt.-% of iron, preferably 7 wt.-% to 16 wt.- % of iron, more
preferably 8wt.- % to 16 wt.- % of iron, or consists thereof.
[0022] It is preferred that the heating in step e) is conducted at temperatures from 160
to 240°C, preferably from 175 to 220°C.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment the heating in step e) is conducted for 1 hour to 15 hours,
preferably 2 hours to 10 hours, more preferably 3 hours to 9 hours.
[0024] Preferably, after the heating in step e), or the drying in step d), in a further
step f), a top coat layer is deposited on the finishing agent layer, wherein the top
coat layer preferably comprises a polymer and/or a colloidal corrosion inhibitor and/or
a wax.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the passivation layer and/or the finishing agent layer
is free of cobalt. The presence of cobalt ion in the bath is a source of health issue.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the passivation layer and/or the finishing agent layer
comprise(s) cobalt.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the finishing agent layer comprises a wax or a non-wax
friction adjuster, preferably a substance selected from the group consisting of polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene
(ETFE), perfluorinated polyethers (PFPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene
/ hexafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), polysulfones,
MoS
2, WS
2, TiS
2, BN graphite, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), metacrylate resin, polycarbonate
(PC), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyacetal, fluororesin, urea resin, phenol
resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, melamine
resin, paraffin, carnauba wax and combinations thereof.
[0028] The above mentioned substances advantageously increase the wear resistance of surfaces
and allow obtaining advantageous sliding properties such as a low coefficient of friction.
[0029] It is preferred that the finishing agent layer comprises trivalent chromium ions
and/or phosphate ions and/or zinc ions and/or citrate ions. The finishing agent layer
can comprise (trivalent) chromium compounds and/or zinc compounds.
[0030] The first metal layer has preferably a thickness from 1 µm to 20 µm. The black passivation
layer has preferably a thickness from 0.05 µm to 1 µm. The finishing agent layer has
preferably a thickness from 0.1 µm to 1 µm. The top coat layer has preferably a thickness
from 0.1 µm to 2 µm. Regarding the effect of the white haze, a higher thickness of
the passivation layer and the finishing agent layer results in an improved appearance
of the electroplated products.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the drying step d) is conducted at temperatures of 60
to 100°C, preferably at temperatures of 70 to 90°C. The drying step is conducted preferably
for 5 to 15 minutes.
[0032] It is preferred that the inventive method provides electroplated products being able
to pass the Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) test according ISO 9227 according to the VW standard
TL 244 requirements and/or RNES - B - 0059 Renault Nissan requirements up to 168 hours
without any optical change of aspect of the electroplated product.
[0033] Moreover, also an electroplated product is provided comprising
- a) a first metal layer comprising or consisting of a zinc or a zinc alloy,
- b) a black passivation layer comprising chromium (i.e. trivalent chromium ions), and
- c) a finishing agent layer.
[0034] The black passivation layer according to the present invention has an L value lower
than 40 and the electroplated product passes NSS test according ISO 9227 according
to the VW standard TL 244 requirements and/or RNES - B - 0059 Renault Nissan requirements
up to 168 hours without any optical change of aspect of the electroplated product.
[0035] It is preferred that the black passivation layer has an L value lower than 30, preferably
lower than 25.
[0036] The first metal layer has preferably a thickness from 1 µm to 20 µm. The black passivation
layer has preferably a thickness from 0.05 µm to 1 µm. The finishing agent layer has
preferably a thickness from 0.1 µm to 1 µm. The top coat layer has preferably a thickness
from 0.1 µm to 2 µm.
[0037] It is preferred, that the finishing agent layer comprises chromium ions and/or phosphate
ions and/or zinc ions and/or citrate ions. The finishing agent layer can comprise
(trivalent) chromium compounds and/or zinc compounds.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the finishing agent layer comprises a wax or a non-wax
friction adjuster, preferably a substance selected from the group consisting of polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene
(ETFE), perfluorinated polyethers (PFPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene
/ hexafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), polysulfones,
MoS
2, WS
2, TiS
2, BN graphite, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), metacrylate resin, polycarbonate
(PC), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyacetal, fluororesin, urea resin, phenol
resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, melamine
resin, paraffin, carnauba wax, polymers of the esters of acrylic acid and combinations
thereof.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a top coat layer is deposited on the finishing agent layer
as a finish, wherein the top coat layer preferably comprises a polymer and/or a colloidal
corrosion inhibitor and/or a wax or a non-wax friction adjuster.
[0040] In a more preferred embodiment, the top coat layer allowed that the coefficient of
friction can be adjusted between 0.09 to 0.15 or 0.12 to 0.18.
[0041] It is preferred that the wax comprised in the top coat are polyethylene waxes (in
the form of an emulsion). Waxes advantageously increase the wear resistance of surfaces
and allow obtaining advantageous sliding properties such as a low coefficient of friction.
[0042] It is preferred that the polymer comprised in the top coat are the acrylic copolymers
of the type methacrylic or vinylic resins. These are polymers of the esters of acrylic
acid or methacrylic acid and may have as alcohol component an unsubstituted alkyl
group or substituted by functional groups, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,
n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and hexyl and their isomers and higher homologues,
2-ethylhexyl acrylate, phenoxyethyl, hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, caprolactone hydroxyethyl
or dimethylaminoethyl.
[0043] It is preferred that the colloidal corrosion inhibitor comprised in the top coat
is silicon dioxide.
[0044] With reference to the following figures and examples, the subject-matter according
to the present invention is intended to be explained in more detail without wishing
to restrict said subject-matter to the specific embodiments shown here.
Fig.1 shows a photo of samples 1 to 4 after a NSS test of 912h.
Fig.2 shows a photo of samples 5 to 8 after a NSS test of 912h.
Fig.3 shows a photo of sample 4 after a NSS test of 240h.
Fig.4 shows a photo of samples 9, 10, 4, 11, 12 and 2 after a NSS test of 1008h.
Fig.5 shows a photo of samples 13 to 15 after a NSS test of 240h.
Fig.6 shows a photo of sample 16 after a NSS test of 240h.
Fig.7 shows a photo of sample 17 after a NSS test of 240h.
Fig. 8 shows a comparison of the coefficient of friction for samples 12 (on the left)
, 19 (in the middle) and 20 (on the right)
Fig. 9 shows a photo of sample 20 after a NSS test of 240h.
Examples
Samples preparation:
[0045] The plating is conducted on a steel substrate screw or steel plate.
[0046] The first metal layer is composed of zinc nickel alloy with a nickel content of 12
to 15 weight% and a thickness of 8 to 10 µm on the head of the screw or is composed
of a zinc iron alloy with an iron content of 12 to 14 weight%. As an alternative to
the examples of this experiment, the iron content could be chosen to be in the range
of 8 to 14 weight%. As an option, an activation with a 0.1% HCl solution is conducted
subsequently. More detail protocol on the plating bath can be found in the examples
of the
patent WO2005073438A1.
[0047] The conversion layer is deposited by dipping the screw or panel plated in step 1
during 60 seconds in a trivalent chromium cobalt-free solution at a pH of 2.0 and
a temperature around 25°C followed by a rinsing step with water.
[0048] The finishing agent layer is deposited for 15 seconds with a solution at a pH of
4.3 and a temperature around 25°C followed by a drying step for 10 minutes at 80°C
in a centrifuge. After the deposition of the finishing agent layer no further rinsing
step is necessary.
[0049] For samples 18, 19 and 20, the finishing agent layer comprised of cobalt, for the
other samples there were cobalt free.
[0050] For samples 19 and 20, a solution of 50ml/L of wax was added during the deposition
of the finishing agent layer.
[0051] Optionally, the deposition of a top-coat layer is conducted by dipping in a polymer,
colloidal corrosion inhibitor, and a wax solution followed by a drying step for 10
minutes at 80°C in a centrifuge.
[0052] The thermal treatment (TTH) step of the samples has been conducted in an oven at
different steps of the process with different temperatures and durations.
[0053] Colour coordinates have been determined according to UNI EN ISO 8654:2018 on a Minolta
CM-503i spectrophotometer. As illuminant daylight D65 (6500K) with an included reflective
component (sci) has been used. The observer was set at standard (10°) and the measurements
were conducted in the colour space CIE L
∗a
∗b
∗. The instrument has been calibrated before the measurement with a black (L = 0) and
with a white (L = 100) standard. For the different samples a L value from 25 to 29
was obtained.
[0054] Coefficient of friction were measured according to ISO 16047 (DIN EN ISO 16047).
[0055] The samples prepared according to different methods are presented on the Table 1
below.
Table 1 (Sample preparation)
| Sample |
ZnNi/ZnFe |
Activation with HCl |
Top coat |
TTH |
Thermal shock before NSST |
| 1 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 2 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Post Dip 8h 200°C |
No |
| 3 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| 4 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Post Dip Before Top Coat 8h 200°C |
No |
| 5 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
No |
Yes 2h 120°C |
| 6 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Post Dip 8h 200°C |
Yes 2h 120°C |
| 7 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes 2h 120°C |
| 8 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Post Dip Before Top Coat 8h 200°C |
Yes 2h 120°C |
| 9 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After ZnNi before Passivation 8h 200°C |
No |
| 10 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Passivation Before Finishing agent 8h 200°C |
No |
| 11 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After ZnNi Before Passivation 8h 200°C |
No |
| 12 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Passivation Before Finishing agent 8h 200°C |
No |
| 13 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Post Dip Before Top Coat 4h 120°C |
No |
| 14 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Post Dip Before Top Coat 4h 200°C |
No |
| 15 |
ZnNi |
No |
Yes |
Yes After Post Dip Before Top Coat 8h 120°C |
No |
| 16 |
ZnFe |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 17 |
ZnFe |
No |
No |
Yes After Post Dip 8h 200°C |
No |
| 18 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Passivation Before Finishing agent 8h 200°C |
No |
| 19 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Passivation Before Finishing agent 8h 200°C |
No |
| 20 |
ZnNi |
No |
No |
Yes After Passivation Before Finishing agent 8h 200°C |
No |
White haze resistance
[0056] The white haze resistance was evaluated by the resistance to the Neutral Salt Spray
(NSS) Test. Those experiments were conducted with a Braive 2000L corrosion chamber
following the norm ISO 9227.
[0057] The different samples were submitted to different durations according to the NSS
to evaluate their corrosion resistance.
[0058] The first test were set to be in line with the VW standard TL 244 requirements and/or
RNES - B - 0059 Renault Nissan. So, the duration was set around 200 hours. To assess
the white haze resistance, we observed the samples and noted the severity of white
haze (WH).
[0059] The results from those tests are presented on Table 2 below and also on the Fig.
3, 5, 6 and 7.
Table 2 (NSS Test results)
| Sample |
Duration of the NSS test (in hours) |
WH |
| 4 |
240 |
No |
| 13 |
240 |
Medium |
| 14 |
240 |
No |
| 15 |
240 |
Medium |
| 16 |
240 |
Important |
| 17 |
240 |
No |
[0060] It was observed that the best results regarding WH resistance were realised for the
examples in which the TTH step was performed after the deposition of the finishing
agent layer.
[0061] It was further investigated to lower the time and temperature of the TTH step (samples
13, 14 and 15). It was observed that the duration of the TTH step can be reduced,
but when reducing the temperature of the TTH step, an obvious WH was observed. The
best results were observed at a temperature of approx. 200°C.
[0062] With those results, further tests were conducted to assess the WH resistance with
longer time in the NSS test chamber.
[0063] The results from those tests are presented in Table 3 below and also in the Figs.
1, 2 and 4.
Table 3 (NSS Test results)
| Sample number |
Duration of the NSS test (in hours) |
WH |
| 1 |
912 |
Important |
| 2 |
912 |
No |
| 3 |
912 |
Important |
| 4 |
912 |
No |
| 5 |
912 |
Important |
| 6 |
912 |
Slight |
| 7 |
912 |
Important |
| 8 |
912 |
No |
| 9 |
1008 |
Important |
| 10 |
1008 |
Slight |
| 4 |
1008 |
No |
| 11 |
1008 |
Medium |
| 12 |
1008 |
Slight |
| 2 |
1008 |
No |
| 18 |
1008 |
No |
[0064] It has been observed that a drying step before the TTH does not improve the appearance
significantly. Moreover, the addition of a top coat does not change the WH resistance.
Also after 1008 hours in the NSS no WH occurred.
[0065] Finally, an increase of WH resistance after the TTH work for a first metal layer
of ZnNi and ZnFe, so it seems that the alloy of the first layer does not impact the
WH resistance.
Wax influence on coefficient of friction with and without heat treatment
[0066] The coefficient of friction is a value that is essential for certain piece of equipment
especially for screws. A way to modulate this value is by adding wax to the finishing
agent layer and/or topcoat.
[0067] It is interesting to see if the modulation of the coefficient of friction is maintained
with the heat treatment and if the addition of wax change something to the white haze
resistance effect of the invention.
[0068] It shows on Fig.8 the measure of coefficient of friction for 12, 19 and 20, we can
see that there is a decrease in the coefficient of friction with the addition of wax
as expected. With the heat treatment, there is still an increase of the coefficient
of friction, but it stays below the value of the reference.
[0069] On Fig.9 it is shown that for sample 20 after 240 hours of the NSS test that there
is no white haze. So we can see that the addition of the wax in the finishing layer
does not affect the white haze resistance.
1. Method for preparing an electroplated product having the following steps:
a) Electroplating a substrate with a first metal layer comprising or consisting of
zinc or a zinc alloy with an electrolyte comprising at least one source of zinc ions,
b) Depositing a black passivation layer on the first metal layer wherein the black
passivation layer comprises trivalent chromium ions,
c) Depositing a finishing agent layer on the black passivation layer,
d) Drying of the layers at temperatures from 60 to 120 °C for 1 minutes to 20 minutes.
2. Method of claim 1, characterised in that the zinc alloy is selected from the group consisting of zinc nickel alloys, zinc
iron alloys and zinc nickel iron alloys.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 , characterised in that, after the heating in step d), in a further step e), a heating of the layers at temperatures
from 150°C to 250°C for 20 minutes to 15 hours is conducted.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that the heating in step e) is conducted at temperatures from 160 to 240°C, preferably
from 175 to 220°C.
5. Method according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the heating in step e) is conducted for 1 hour to 15 hours, preferably 2 hours to
10 hours, more preferably 3 hours to 9 hours.
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that, after the heating in step e), or the drying in step d), in a further step f), a
top coat layer is deposited on the finishing agent layer, wherein the top coat layer
preferably comprises a polymer and/or a colloidal corrosion inhibitor and/or a wax.
7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the black passivation layer and/or the finishing agent layer is free of cobalt.
8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the black passivation layer and/or the finishing agent layer comprise(s) cobalt.
9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the finishing agent layer comprises chromium ions and/or phosphate ions and/or zinc
ions and/or citrates ions.
10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the drying in step d) is conducted at temperatures from 60°C to 100°C.
11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the drying in step d) is conducted for 5 to 15 minutes.
12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the finishing agent layer comprises a wax or a non-wax friction adjuster, preferably
a substance selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene
(PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), perfluorinated
polyethers (PFPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoroethylene
copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), polysulfones, MoS2, WS2, TiS2, BN graphite, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), metacrylate resin, polycarbonate
(PC), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyacetal, fluororesin, urea resin, phenol
resin, unsaturated polyester resin,polyurethane, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, melamine
resin, paraffin, carnauba wax and combinations thereof.
13. Electroplated product comprising
a) a first metal layer comprising or consisting of a zinc or a zinc alloy,
b) a black passivation layer comprising chromium, and
c) a finishing agent layer,
wherein the black passivation layer has an L value lower than 40 and the electroplated
product passes NSS test according ISO 9227 according to the VW standard TL 244 requirements
and/or RNES - B - 0059 Renault Nissan requirements up to 168 hours without any optical
change of aspect of the electroplated product.
14. Electroplated product according to claim 13, characterised in that the black passivation layer has an L value lower than 30, preferably lower than 25.
15. Electroplated product according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterised in that the first metal layer has a thickness from 1 µm to 20 µm.
16. Electroplated product according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that the finishing agent layer comprises chromium ions and/or phosphate ions and/or zinc
ions and/or citrates ions.
17. Electroplated product according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterised in that a top coat layer is deposited on the finishing agent layer as a finish, wherein the
top coat layer preferably comprises a polymer and/or a colloidal corrosion inhibitor
and/or a wax.
18. Electroplated product according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterised in that the finishing agent layer comprises a wax or a non-wax friction adjuster, preferably
a substance selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene
(PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), perfluorinated
polyethers (PFPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoroethylene
copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), polysulfones, MoS2, WS2, TiS2, BN graphite, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), metacrylate resin, polycarbonate
(PC), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyacetal, fluororesin, urea resin, phenol
resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, melamine
resin, paraffin, carnauba wax and combinations thereof.