Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Oxide Removal from Sapphire

I am looking for a method to remove an oxide layer from sapphire substrate, other than lapping or polishing. It is important that the epi-surface not be disturbed.

Patrick Place
- Lakeside, Arizona, USA

This is kind of a strange question, since sapphire is comprised almost entirely of aluminum oxide(Al2O3). The entire fused crystal is oxidized aluminum with a few trace metals. If you are trying to plate it, use non-conductor plating techniques. I have done it before on tiny alumina pieces.

Michael Brewington
Fin-Tec, Inc. - Salisbury, Maryland, USA

finishing.com is made possible by ...
this text gets replaced with bannerText

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully 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 & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

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