A System for Spray Chemical Polishing Alloy 42 (Kovar)
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817)is an acidic bath used for polishing and passivating Alloy 42 and Kovar. Chempolished surfaces are suitable for use in extreme environments (such as high vacuum, medical or aerospace applications). ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) leaves a brilliant specular finish, free of etching, hydrogen embrittlement, or halide-induced stress cracking. Metal is removed preferentially from high points, resulting in a smoother, more level surface. The surface is cleaned completely of any organic contamination and is free of soluble inorganic residues.ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) gives maximum brilliance with minimum material loss. The longer the polish times, the more brilliant the finish, to a limit.
PRE-TREATMENT:
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) is preceded by a cleaner, ideally MicroClean™ CM (RD-38), followed by a rinse.
MAKE-UP:
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) is used as supplied at 120°-150° F,(50°-65° C), or at 170° F for stainless steel.
OPERATION:
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) is used until it is exhausted and then discarded. Metal loss in ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817)is about 0.07 mls (2.8µ)/minute at 50° C (122° F) and 0.08 mls (3.1µ)/minute at 60° C (140° F). Higher temperatures give faster polishing and a more brilliant finish with less metal loss.
EQUIPMENT:
Polypropylene or PVC equipment is usually used, except at high temperatures, where Titanium is acceptable. Teflon or PVDF may also be used. Teflon steam coils are the best method of heating the bath, but quartz or Titanium heaters may be used, if solution movement is maintained to minimize local over-heating.
Quartz or Titanium electrical heaters may also be used. Some form of agitation to keep the solution moving over heaters is recommended at higher use temperatures. This prevents localized overheating and minimizes brightener decomposition.
RD Chemical Company makes these recommendations in good faith, based on laboratory and field testing. Ultimate responsibility for propriety of use, however, must rest with the purchaser and user. RD Chemical Company recommends thorough testing of its products, before use.
DISPOSAL:
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) is strongly acidic: used solutions will contain dissolved nickel which will precipitate when neutralized to pH 9.0. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.
SAFETY:
Caution should be exercised in handling ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817). The ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) system is highly acidic and will cause permanent eye damage if contact is made and may cause skin lesions if not washed off promptly. Accordingly, it is important to wear complete eye protection and clothing that is resistant to dilute acids when working with ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) or the additives. When the ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817) bath is in operation, it gives off various oxides of nitrogen and other acidic gases. Therefore, a ventilation system capable of providing an air flow of 75 feet per minute away from the operator is required. This will necessitate between 100 and 800 cubic feet per minute airflow for each lineal foot of operating side of the tank, depending upon the design of tank and ducting. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
PACKAGING:
ChemPolish™ S (RDX-817), and the additives for replenishing, are available in 15 gallon and 55 gallon poly drums.
RD Chemical Company makes these recommendations in good faith, based on laboratory and field testing. Ultimate responsibility for propriety of use, however, must rest with the purchaser and user. RD Chemical Company recommends thorough testing of its products, before use.