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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Etchant options?

From: Neil <cobra_neil@...>
Date: 2003-05-23

Jan,

Your Ammonium Persulphate story reminds me of the movie "Alien". :-)

When I picked up the AP, I did so for one specific reason ... Fry's was out of
my usual FeCl. So I thought I'd give this a try. The container has it
clearly marked on the front that plastic is fine. But I spoke with MG's tech
support and they told me the same thing -- I cannot leave it in a plastic
container for a long time. It will crystallize over time, concentrations
will vary, and any fumes escaping will eventually render it inert.

No I'm not a chemist or even close, so I never investigated all the effects.

My intention was that now that I'm settled back in an apartment, I was setting
up my PCB system so that I can leave the solutions in the containers for a
long time ... weeks, months, etc. I will be making prototypes regularly over
the next few months.

So I returned the AP to the store, and they had FeCl in stock today, so I'm
back to old faithful. I've learned about its staining ability in the past,
so I've learned to be drip-free / spill-free. My new setup will make that
even easier.

Cheers,
-Neil.



On Thursday 22 May 2003 14:17, JanRwl@... scribbled:
> In a message dated 5/22/2003 11:19:54 AM Central Standard Time,
>
> cobra_neil@... writes:
> > Also, the ammonium fumes may be a problem
> > so I'm not trying to get as much info as possible before I actually try
> > it.
>
> Neil:
>
> Be CERTAIN you either put that ammonium persulfate stuff in a GLASS
> container, or use it up FAST, if it arrives in plastic! I bought a
> "minimum order" (what was it, 2 lb?) once; came in a plastic container with
> screw-lid, so I put it on the BOTTOM shelf of a cabinet after just TRYING
> some, and FORGOT about it. Within six months, it had eaten through the
> plastic container, the bottom (MDF) bookshelf, and the $$ carpet below!
> Dum! Need I recall the "conversation" with my wife over that?????
> Jan Rowland
>
>
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