8% Nitric AcidNital 8%
8% Nital
General Purpose
Composition
8% Nitric Acid in Ethanol
8%
Method
Immersion
Time
20s
Alternative Names
Tags
Reveals
Grain boundaries, martensite, bainite, carbides
Typical Results
Very aggressive etchant for very hard steels. Use with caution.
Color Effects
Strong contrast between phases
Compatible Materials
Incompatible Materials
Application Method
Method:immersion
Typical Time:20 seconds
Preparation Notes
Mix 8 ml concentrated nitric acid with 92 ml ethanol. Add acid slowly to ethanol.
Application Notes
Immerse for 20-40 seconds. Very aggressive - use shorter times initially. Rinse thoroughly.
Troubleshooting
Use for extremely hard steels. Monitor etching time very carefully.
Storage Notes
Store in dark glass bottle. Shelf life: 3-6 months.
Alternative Etchants
- 5% Nital
- 10% Nital
- Vilella's Reagent
Similar Etchants
- 5% Nital
- 10% Nital