scope:

This test practice covers equipment and methods for revealing the porosity of gold and palladium coatings, particularly electrodeposits and clad metals used on electrical contacts.

This test practice is suitable for coatings containing gold or 75 % by mass of palladium on substrates of copper, nickel, and their alloys, which are commonly used in electrical contacts.

A variety of full porosity testing methods is described in the literature.^2,3 These porosity Test Methods are B735, B741, B798, B799, and B809. An ASTM Guide to the selection of porosity tests for electrodeposits and related metallic coatings is available as Guide B765.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards, see Section 6.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

² For example see: Nobel, F. J., Ostrow, B. D., and Thompson, D. W., "Porosity Testing of Gold Deposits," Plating, Vol 52, 1965, p. 1001.

³ Krumbien, S J., Porosity Testing of Contact Platings, Proceedings, Connectors and Interconnection Technology Symposium, Oct. 1987, p. 47.