Electrolysis technology in the field of stainless steel processing to realize the dual control of micro-morphology
and macro performance, so that the material surface roughness down to Ra0.05μm, corrosion resistance to
improve 3-8 times. This paper analyzes the depth of electrolysis process in stainless steel modification of the
technical core, covering the principle of innovation, parameter control, defect prevention and control
and other key aspects.
Electrolytic processing technology classification and principle
1. Electrolytic polishing (Electropolishing)
Electrochemical mechanism:
Anodic dissolution occurs preferentially in the microscopic raised parts, reaction formula:
Fe → Fe²⁺ + 2e- (acidic electrolyte environment)
Cr → Cr³⁺ + 3e- (grain boundary selective dissolution)
Process Parameters:
Electrolyte: phosphoric acid - sulfuric acid system (volume ratio 6:4)
Temperature: 60-80°C
Current density: 15-50A/dm²
Processing time: 3-15 minutes
2. Electrolytic coloring (Electrolytic Coloring)
Film formation mechanism:
Anodizing to generate porous oxide film (thickness 5-20μm)
Metal ion electrodeposition to fill the nanopore
Light interference effect presents different colors
Color system control parameters:
Voltage(V) Time(min) Color rendered
10-15 2-5 Champagne gold
16-20 5-8 Titanium gray
21-25 8-12 dark blue
Industrialized production key technology nodes
1. Pre-treatment standardized process
Alkaline degreasing (50-60℃, pH12-13)
Acid activation (10% nitric acid, room temperature, 60s)
Ultrasonic cleaning (40kHz, 5min)
2. Electrolysis core equipment configuration
Pulsed power supply: frequency 1000Hz, duty cycle 30-70%
Titanium-based coating anode (IrO₂-Ta₂O₅)
Multi-stage circulating filtration system (precision 1μm)
Temperature PID control system (±1℃)
Quality control and defect prevention
1. Types and causes of surface defects
Pitting pits: Chloride ion pollution (>50ppm)
Streak color difference: uneven current distribution (pole distance error >5mm)
Membrane layer peeling: incomplete pretreatment (contact angle＞30°)
2. On-line monitoring technology
Laser confocal microscope (roughness detection)
X-ray fluorescence thickness gauge (accuracy ±0.1μm)
Electrochemical workstation (polarization curve analysis)
Special function electrolytic treatment technology
1. Antimicrobial surface treatment
Electrolytic deposition of silver nanoparticles (particle size 20-50nm)
Antibacterial rate>99.9% (GB/T 21510-2008)
Durability: efficiency retention rate of >95% after 100 times of cleaning
2. Superhydrophobic surface construction
Micro-nano structure etching (current density 30A/dm²)
Fluorosilane self-assembly film (contact angle＞150°)
Salt spray resistance test＞1000h (ASTM B117)
Environmental protection and cost control program
1. Waste liquid regeneration technology
Ion exchange resin recovery of heavy metals (Cu²+ <0.1ppm)
Low-temperature evaporator to concentrate waste acid (recovery rate>85%)
Electrolysis regeneration tank to restore electrolyte activity
2. Energy consumption optimization strategy
Pulse power supply saves 30-40% electricity
Waste heat recovery system reduces steam consumption by 50%
Intelligent rectifier power factor>0.95
Industry technology evolution direction
1. Intelligent control system
Automatic identification of surface defects by machine vision
Digital twin process parameters dynamic optimization
Electrolyte composition online analyzer
2. Green technology breakthrough
Chrome-free electrolytic polishing technology (citric acid system)
Water-based coloring electrolyte replaces organic solvent
Photovoltaic direct supply electrolysis workshop power system
Stainless steel electrolytic treatment technology is promoting the transformation of the industry from
“processing” to “smart manufacturing”, the new pulse electrolytic process to improve production
efficiency by 40% and reduce wastewater emissions by 65%. In medical equipment, marine
engineering and other high-end fields, electrolysis technology gives stainless steel surface
nanoscale functional coatings, opening up a dimensional revolution in material performance.