5% Nitric AcidNital 5%
5% Nital
General Purpose
Composition
5% Nitric Acid in Ethanol
5%
Method
Immersion
Time
15s
Alternative Names
Tags
Reveals
Grain boundaries, martensite, bainite, carbides
Typical Results
More aggressive etchant for hard steels. Reveals martensite and bainite structures clearly.
Color Effects
Strong contrast between phases
Compatible Materials
Incompatible Materials
Application Method
Method:immersion
Typical Time:15 seconds
Preparation Notes
Mix 5 ml concentrated nitric acid with 95 ml ethanol. Add acid slowly to ethanol.
Application Notes
Immerse for 15-30 seconds. More aggressive - use shorter times initially. Rinse thoroughly.
Troubleshooting
Use for very hard steels. Monitor etching time carefully to avoid over-etching.
Storage Notes
Store in dark glass bottle. Shelf life: 3-6 months.
Alternative Etchants
- 4% Nital
- Vilella's Reagent
Similar Etchants
- 4% Nital
- 8% Nital