People helping each other -- No AI, no cost, no reg'n, no damn popups
(As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner we earn from qualifying purchases)

Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry


  Thread 408/89

Using caustic to dissolve aluminum




We currently coat thin sheets of Al 6061 with electroplated nickel. Then we cut the ends of the nickel sheet, exposing the aluminum at both ends of the sheet. Then we immerse the nickel-coated aluminum parts into a 50% caustic (by mass) solution at around 250 F. We want to completely remove the aluminum. At times, the rate of removal is very good, but the etch rate decays. By changing the bath, the rate is seen to improve, but we want to not be changing the bath all the time. Something about the changing chemistry of the bath is believed to be the culprit. Any ideas on what might cause the rates of dissolution to decline quickly with time?

Kevin W. Kelly

2006
publicly reply to Kevin W. Kelly


First of two simultaneous responses --

Increased aluminum content perhaps?

Bill Grayson
metal finishing - San Jose, California
2006
publicly reply to Bill Grayson


Second of two simultaneous responses --

A chemical reaction occurs due to an unbalanced situation. That's the motor. The more unbalance there is, the higher the speed. The closer the balance the slower the speed. When a balance is reached it stops.

Guillermo Marrufo

2006
publicly reply to Guillermo Marrufo



(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:

Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"