HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 12039

Fluoroboric and nitric acid passivation of steel

I will be passivating stainless steel in a bath with fluoroboric acid and nitric acid. Does anyone know what the mechanism for this passivation might be? I don't understand the role of the fluoroboric acid in the process.

Michael Kelly
National University of Ireland, Galway - Galway, Ireland

Michael:

You are dealing with some pretty hazardous material there. The fluoroboric acid is probably there to remove scale from welds, etc., or oxides that the nitric will not. I have heard of this combination, but have never tried it. Unless you are removing some scales or discoloration, I would not advise using this material.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

I can suggest our environmentally safe electropolishing method which completely removes any impurities or burrs or stains, etc., from the surface, leaving it medically clean, mirror finish, and of course completely passivated.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

ANSWER or FOLLOW UP POST an unrelated QUESTION HOT Topics

Disclaimer: It is not possible to diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information
presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The
internet is largely anonymous; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations may be deliberately harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: