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Electropolishing tungsten

I have 1" X 1" samples of pure tungsten. I don't have the means to mechanically polish them but I need a mirror surface for a sputtered thin film substrate. I have been trying to electropolish them with NaOH and a carbon cathode. So far I have gotten a rougher surface than I have started out with. Does anyone have any suggests for what I am doing wrong or anything else I can try?

Brian Laughlin
- North Carolina State Univ. - Raleigh, North Carolina
1998

What voltage are you trying to electropolish your tungsten? I personally use 10.5% NaOH in distilled water, and 20 V to electropolish tungsten. I have seen some recent papers talking about 10 V, but this is approaching the etching regime for tungsten. Also, vary your stirring speed of your electrolyte - you need a uniform viscous layer to achieve a smooth surface.

Jeff Perkins
- Boise, ID, USA
November 26, 2008

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