Chemistry - strange stuff :-(
Yes, you are correct, it was not a failed experiment. It just
didn't give me the results I wanted - black. But, in reality, that
isn't too much of a surprise - it was just a fleeting thought while
bored :0
Thanks for the explanation though! Chris
--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Adam Seychell <a_seychell@...>
wrote:
>
> Just like what drives pretty much everything in this universe,
entropy.
> The copper ions in solution are more electronegative than aluminum
> metal. As a result electrons are transfered from aluminum to the
copper
> ions. The copper atoms become neutral (metal) and the aluminum
atoms
> become ions (dissolved in solution).
>
> Why is your experiment be a failure?. You clearly determined the
answer
> to your question if ferric chloride can turn an aluminum surface
black.
>
> lcdpublishing wrote:
> > Hi guys,
> >
> > Perhaps one of you chemistry guys knows what happened here.
While
> > etching a board, I got to thinking about how the Ferric Chloride
> > stains some metals (and wood, and other things) black. Always
one to
> > try things, I dipped an aluminum bar in the stuff for a few
seconds.
> >
> > When I pulled it out, it had what appears to be rust scale on it
like
> > crazy! I assume this to be bits of Copper and not rust, but I
was
> > wondering if someone could explain what happened there? I don't
think
> > it was electrolysis - no electricty going through the mess.
> >
> > Yet, somehow, the copper seemed to attract to the aluminum - it
didn't
> > stick though. A rinse in water removed it quickly. The
aluminum did
> > turn gray in color and not black like i had hoped - so it was a
failed
> > experiment. But, it sure was interesting and raised a few
questions!
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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and Photos:
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> >
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