Electrolyte, a substance capable of releasing ions in solution

Electrolyte, a substance capable of releasing ions in solution, making it a good conductor of electricity

An electrolyte is a substance sensitive to electrical current and capable of releasing ions in solution, making it a good conductor of electricity.

The electrolyte is therefore the main protagonist of the electropolishing process of stainless steel, aluminium, nickel, titanium and copper that Bama performs at its production site.

Thanks to electropolishing, it is possible to finish the surface of a metal or an alloy by forming a thick passive layer on the surface, eliminating micro-burrs, levelling the roughness profile, until obtaining a shiny and reflective surface. The state of surface finish is directly proportional to the initial surface conditions.

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The removal of the surface layer is therefore not a negative component and in no way cancels the previous processes of pickling and passivation, but instead enriches the result.

In this way, in fact, any surface imperfections that affect the quality of the object are eliminated.

The procedure is based on the ability of the electrolyte to transmit the current coming from outside through the solution that, reverberating on the object, will lead it to release its surface layer ion after ion.

The electrolyte then acts as a "conveyor" of the electrical charge from one electrode to another. In this way it is possible to smooth the surface and obtain an excellent result both from an aesthetic point of view and from a functional one.

The function of the electrolyte

The elimination of imperfections thanks to the action of the electrolyte, in fact, makes the surfaces much easier to clean, an essential element in some sectors such as the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

In addition, the surfaces that have undergone the electropolishing process have an aesthetic value, and are also used in areas such as industrial design.

One example of an electrolyte - which Bama uses in its processes - is E-Brill. The main component of the solution used for the electropolishing process of stainless steel, this electrolyte - like all the substances used by Bama - complies with the international standard ASTM B-192.

Bama also has specific electrolytes for ferritic, martensitic or copper alloys. In addition, Bama has developed a technology for the use of electrolytes for massive treatment of small metal parts, replacing where possible the much more expensive frame electropolishing.