This project is introduced to solve that hazardous problem by providing a smart, green system that aims to come up with a high-quality product by using recycling.
1. Arduino
2. Stepper Motor
3. Weight Sensor
4. DC motor
5. Solid Zinc Sulfate
The project is mainly composed of three parts: a feedback controller (an Arduino board), a mechanical, and an electrochemical part.
Two software designs were made: one for the feedback mechanism and the other for the physical model to avoid mistakes.
Following that, it is preferred to start with the software program rather than the other parts. The program aims to allow the system to control the chemical process and the feedback mechanism.
The team made a 1M concentrated aqueous solution of Zn2+ by solving approximately (162 Β±0.05 gm) of solid ZnSO4 in one liter of distilled water; the metal to be plated will be connected to the negative terminal of a 4V battery to serve as the cathode on which zinc ions will be reduced depositing thin layers of zinc atoms on the metalβs surface. The anode is made of a recycled piece of zinc connected to the positive terminal of the battery, where that is oxidation takes place.
Some calculations were used to measure
(Faraday's law of electrolysis): π‘ = πΓπ΄ΓπΓπΉ πΌβ
ππ€ Γ· π Γ· 60 + 5
Due to the difficulty in measuring thickness directly, a simple formula was used to get the thickness by the means of the change in mass of the metal being plated, π = π πβ
π΄ where A is the total area of the metal piece, M is coatβs mass, and π is the density of zinc.
Compared to other methods of the metal galvanizing industry, this introduces βRobotβ uses fewer materials; has less cost; needs less energy; and, most importantly, does not require the human element.