what is an effective etchant to etch graphite? i wan to remove the graphite from substrates. if any, what would be useful for etching graphite? thanks.....

Hi Hungz

to the Surface Engineering Forum.

We really need more information on what you are trying to do. What is the substrate material? The nature of the graphite coating? Is it important that the substrate is not effected by process? (If not to what degree?)...

I would consider mechanical means first. Blasting, brushing, polishing, perhaps aided by washing.

Burning graphite from surface if heating substrate is not a problem.

Wet chemical etching reagents will probably need to be highly oxidising, concentrated and used hot. Possibly nitric acid. Trouble is your substrate may be more likely to be attacked than the graphite. If you don't mind losing some substrate then ok, but then you would probably be better off just machining it off.

Hi Hungz,

We use 120 ali oxide grit, 50:50 nitric acid and machining to remove graphite. A solution called Enstrip L90 can be used but I've not had cause to try it.

If the graphite is on a paper substrate you could use a rubber (eraser)

Cheers
Jim

Quote:If the graphite is on a paper substrate you could use a rubber (eraser) Smile

I like that one .

Seriously, it does highlight the need for more information in the original question.