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Glyceregia

Material Specific

Composition

15ml HCl, 10ml HNO₃, 10ml Glycerol

Mixed

Method

Immersion

Time

20s

Alternative Names

Glycerol-HCl-HNO₃

Tags

stainless-steelnickel-alloyhigh-temperature-alloy

Reveals

Grain boundaries, phases, carbides

Typical Results

Excellent for austenitic stainless steels and nickel alloys. Reveals grain structure clearly.

Color Effects

Grain boundaries dark

Compatible Materials

stainless-steelnickel-alloyinconelhastelloy

Incompatible Materials

carbon-steelaluminum

Application Method

Method:immersion
Typical Time:20 seconds

Preparation Notes

Mix 15ml HCl, 10ml HNO₃, and 10ml glycerol. Add acids to glycerol slowly. CAUTION: Exothermic reaction.

Application Notes

Immerse sample for 20-40 seconds. Swab gently. Rinse immediately with water and ethanol.

Troubleshooting

Prepare fresh for best results. Glycerol slows reaction rate. Use fume hood.

Storage Notes

Store in glass bottle. Prepare fresh when needed. Shelf life: 1-2 weeks.

Alternative Etchants

  • Kalling's No. 2
  • Aqua Regia

Similar Etchants

  • Aqua Regia

ASTM References

ASTM E407