Electropolishing nitrided steel: Dangerous perchloric warning

Summary for electropolishing nitrided steel Discussion

Electropolishing of nitrided steel is discussed in the context of whether the usual alloy-steel electrolyte, perchloric acid plus acetic acid, can be used on plasma nitrided En41B parts to improve finish. K. Chandrasekaran asks for the proper electrolyte. Ted Mooney gives the strongest practical guidance: he warns that perchloric acid should not be used for anything larger than a very small beaker, and only by a highly trained chemist, noting that some experts think even that limited use should be prohibited. He says it is absolutely not for parts and cites the worst accident in the metal finishing industry as a reason to avoid it. James Watts adds that acetic acid is organic and perchloric acid is an oxidizer, and that the wrong proportions and conditions can create a bomb. The thread therefore emphasizes safety concerns over recommending a process electrolyte.