Contents
- Introduction
- Why Analytical Grade Acids Are Fundamental
- The 3 Essential Acids
- Analytical Purity: The Critical Difference
- Traceability and Certification
- Good Practices for Use
- Conclusion
Introduction
Proper surface preparation is the most critical stage of the electroplating process. A poorly prepared surface completely compromises the adhesion of the metal coating, leading to rework, material loss and dissatisfied end customers.
In the electroplating of jewelry, fashion jewelry (gold-plated jewelry) and costume jewelry, where quality demands precise control, the use of acids with certified analytical grade (P.A.) purity is mandatory rather than optional. Analytical grade inputs allow your electroplating shop to make precise calculations and maintain consistent quality control.
Why Analytical Grade Acids Are Fundamental
What Is Analytical Grade (P.A.)?
Analytical grade (P.A.) acids are chemical reagents with a minimum purity of 99.5%, produced under strict quality control and certified by specific laboratory analyses. This purity ensures:
✅ No metallic contaminants that would compromise the bath ✅ Process reproducibility batch after batch ✅ Precise consumption calculations, essential for cost control ✅ Full traceability, required for audits
Consequences of Using Uncertified Acids
Technical or industrial grade acids (purity below 95%) may contain:
- Heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn) that contaminate the electrolytic baths
- Organic compounds that change the deposition rate
- Unwanted salts that cause stains and discoloration
- Impurities that reduce coating adhesion
Result: Rework, material loss, dissatisfied customers.
The 3 Essential Acids
1. Hydrochloric Acid P.A. (37%)
Main function: Removing oxides and metallic impurities from the surface.
Technical specifications:
- Concentration: 37% (HCl)
- Purity: Minimum 99.5%
- Impurity control: Fe < 0.001%, Cu < 0.001%
- Application: Pickling of ferrous metals
Why analytical grade is critical: Iron or copper impurities in hydrochloric acid contaminate the very surface you are trying to clean, causing stains and premature oxidation.
Mandatory certification:
- Unique batch number
- Batch-specific certificate of analysis
- SDS updated in line with ABNT NBR 14725 (the Brazilian standard for safety data sheets)
2. Nitric Acid P.A. (65%)
Main function: Pickling of stainless steels and complex alloys.
Technical specifications:
- Concentration: 65% (HNO₃)
- Purity: Minimum 99.5%
- Critical control: Free of chlorides
- Application: Stainless steels, surface passivation
What analytical grade adds: Analytical grade nitric acid ensures controlled etching without altering the dimensions of the piece, which is essential for precision components in jewelry and fashion jewelry.
Traceability: Each batch must include:
- Production and expiry dates
- Complete physicochemical analyses
- Record of origin and transport
3. Sulfuric Acid P.A. (98%)
Main function: Pickling of iron and carbon steel.
Technical specifications:
- Concentration: 98% (H₂SO₄)
- Purity: Analytical grade
- Strict control: Arsenic < 0.0001%
- Application: Carbon steel pickling, electropolishing
Why certification matters: Analytical grade sulfuric acid ensures strict control of arsenic and other toxic contaminants, which is essential for compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Complete documentation:
- SDS updated annually
- Test reports for each batch
- Certificates of origin
Analytical Purity: The Critical Difference
Analytical Grade Inputs Allow Precise Control
In jewelry electroplating, precise process control is fundamental for:
🎯 Traceability of precious metals (gold, silver, rhodium) 💰 Exact control of production costs 📋 Compliance with purity certifications 🔍 Audits and accountability
Analytical grade inputs allow your electroplating shop to:
- Make precise calculations with known, certified purity
- Achieve controlled, reproducible deposition
- Keep processes consistent
- Meet audit and certification requirements
Mandatory Physicochemical Analyses
Every batch of analytical grade acid must come with a certificate of analysis including:
| Parameter | Specification | Analytical Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (%) | ≥ 99.5% | Titration |
| Iron (Fe) | < 0.001% | Spectrophotometry |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.001% | Spectrophotometry |
| Chlorides (Cl⁻) | < 0.0005% | Turbidimetry |
| Sulfates (SO₄²⁻) | < 0.002% | Turbidimetry |
Traceability and Certification
Complete Documentation for Each Batch
Boreto & Cardoso®, with 53 years of experience in the chemical market (since 1972), provides complete technical documentation for all analytical grade acids:
📋 Detailed test reports
- Complete physicochemical specifications
- Verified quality parameters
📊 Certificates of analysis for each batch
- Specific analyses of each batch produced
- Full product traceability
⚠️ Up-to-date SDS (ABNT NBR 14725)
- Safety Data Sheet compliant with the standard
- Mandatory annual update
📦 Traceability record
- Origin of the raw material
- Production process
- Transport and storage
ISO 9001:2015: Quality Assurance
Suppliers certified to ISO 9001:2015 ensure:
✅ Standardized production processes ✅ Third-party analyses when necessary ✅ Audited quality management ✅ Strict quality control
Good Practices for Use
Safe Storage
Ideal conditions:
- Temperature: 15-25°C (controlled environment)
- Humidity: < 60% (avoid condensation)
- Ventilation: Adequate for acid vapors
- Segregation: Keep away from bases and oxidizers
Packaging:
- Keep sealed when not in use
- Check integrity before use
- Store in a signposted area
- Access restricted to trained personnel
Safe Handling
Mandatory PPE:
- Nitrile or PVC gloves
- Chemical safety goggles
- Waterproof apron
- Respiratory protection if necessary
Procedures:
- ALWAYS add acid to water (never the other way around)
- Use suitable containers (glass, PP, PVDF)
- Work in a ventilated area
- Have an emergency shower nearby
Proper Disposal
Neutralization:
- Never discard pure acid
- Neutralize with a base (diluted caustic soda)
- Check that the pH is between 6.0 and 9.0
- Follow CONAMA 430/2011 (Brazil's federal standard for effluent discharge) for disposal
Documentation:
- Keep a disposal record
- Certificates of final disposal
- Compliance with environmental legislation
Conclusion
Proper surface preparation with certified analytical grade acids is the first step toward superior quality in the electroplating of jewelry, fashion jewelry and costume jewelry.
What sets Boreto & Cardoso® analytical grade acids apart:
✅ 53 years of experience in the chemical market (since 1972) ✅ Guaranteed analytical purity (≥ 99.5%) ✅ Full traceability with a certificate for each batch ✅ Complete SDS and test reports ✅ ISO 9001:2015 certified suppliers
Complete range of analytical grade acids:
- Hydrochloric Acid P.A. (37%)
- Nitric Acid P.A. (65%)
- Sulfuric Acid P.A. (98%)
Request a No-Obligation Quote
Get in touch to request:
- A detailed quote for specific products
- Technical information on applications
- Certificates of analysis and documentation
- Special terms for regular purchases
Contact channels:
📞 (11) 3931-1722 | (11) 2366-6260 📱 WhatsApp: (11) 93931-1722 | (11) 98366-6260 📧 boreto@boreto.com.br
Addresses:
📍 Headquarters: R. Alagoas, 30 - Santana de Parnaíba - SP 📍 Branch: R. Aratibá, 759 - Limeira - SP
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
BORETO & CARDOSO® Chemical Inputs Distributor since 1972 ISO 9001:2015 | Full Traceability
Note to the Reader This article brings together technical information drawn from different sources, with the aim of broadening knowledge about the raw materials mentioned. It is informational material only and does not represent, on the part of Boreto & Cardoso, any indication of application, formulation or direct recommendation for use. Boreto & Cardoso®, with 53 years of experience, acts strictly as a supplier of chemical inputs for a wide range of applications, and it is up to each user to verify the suitability and compliance of their application.