Platinum coating for medical technology with platinum electrolyte

High-quality platinum coatings are ideal for surfaces in medical technology. The platinum electrolyte Platuna PT is used in medical technology applications and meets the specific requirements of the medical industry.

The demands placed on surfaces in medical technology are high. Not without reason, as they determine the functionality and safety of implants, sensors and other instruments - and therefore the success of medical interventions. High-quality platinum coatings can meet the specific requirements of the industry. One example of this is the Platuna PT electrolyte coatings, which have already proven themselves in technical applications. The significant increase in inquiries at Umicore MDS (Metal Deposition Solutions) indicates that this electrolyte has already established itself in this environment.

The precious metal platinum impresses with its chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, temperature and dimensional stability as well as its excellent electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, these properties are often only of limited use if the platinum coating is inadequate - the quality of the coating is crucial to maintaining the relevant board properties and therefore the performance of the end product.

Platuna PT is a highly developed, pure platinum electrolyte specially designed for technical applications. It is based on a strongly acidic solution with a comparatively low sulphuric acid content. This makes it less aggressive towards the substrate to be coated and enables easier application on sensitive or supposedly non-activatable materials. For example, direct deposition on niobium, which is frequently used in medical technology, is also possible. Deposition takes place at a speed of around 0.13 µm/min at 5 A/dm² - regardless of the current density. This property enables a uniform layer distribution, even with complex geometries. This is an advantage in the manufacture of miniaturized components.

The deposited layers consist of 99.9 percent platinum, are high-gloss, crack-free and have a density of 21.4 g/cm³. The hardness is around 350 HV. Together with the low-reaction behavior of platinum towards other materials, this makes the layers very resistant and enables a long service life (possibly also in the human body). The achievable layer thickness of up to 50 µm - an exceptional value in electrolytic processes - also allows certain freedoms with regard to partial differences in thickness and the integration of microstructures in addition to the extended durability.

Another argument in favor of Platuna PT is its simple and reliable handling. "The electrolyte is extremely durable, does not precipitate and can be transported and stored without any problems - even without refrigeration," explains Martin Stegmaier, head of the relevant department. This is an advantage of the electrolyte that is particularly important for production companies. This is because larger storage quantities are possible, which allows a forward-looking cost calculation - especially for series production over a longer period of time. (OM-8/25)