ELECTROLYTIC DEGREASING

"Process for removal of grease, oil, etc from metal surfaces in preparation for electroplating. The metal is made the cathode in an electrolytic cell containing strongly basic (sometimes hot) solution that dissolves these coatings. The strong hydrogen evolution occurring on the cathode may reduce some of the coatings, and the strong bubble evolution removes the coatings mechanically, while the agitation of the solution helps the chemical dissolution of the coatings by the base. Also called: ""electrolytic cleaning,"" ""electrochemical cleaning,"" ""electrocleaning,"" and ""electrochemical degreasing."" See also degreasing. "