I generally used a solution of orthophosphoric acid at 1.75V for electropolishing pure copper but I have found that it takes about 10-15 minutes or more to obtain the good flat finish required for EBSD. Can someone suggest another solution to reduce the time for electropolishing?
Hi Rohit!
You can try this one: 50% H2O, 25% H3PO4 and 25% С2H5OH.
Thanks Kateryna. What should be the voltage used? I think I have tried the suggested solution using 8-10 volts and a mild steel cathode but have found it to cause pitting in the sample.
Yes, the voltage is about 10 V, but there was no pitting on the sample surface.
Can someone tell the time as well Rohit Mathew Michael Schuch
Ekaterina Korneeva
Pilli Jaya Teja If the specimen is polished well, you would require about 5-15 seconds. I would recommend to refrigerate and cool the electropolishing solution before using it.