After performing a seeded polymerization, the teflon-paddle stirrer was impregnated with iron oxide. I have already tried to wash with concentrated HCl, but the stirrer is not clean very well. Is there another way to clean the teflon stirrer? Thanks
Rust stains may be difficult to completely eliminate from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), i.e. 'Teflon'. Concentrated sulphuric acid, hot glacial acetic acid, citric acid (aprox. 10 wt %), oxalic acid (3-5 wt %), and hydrofluoric acid (3-5 wt %), may all be effective. A patented “rust stain removal formula” was proposed by Robert F. Crist (Iron Out, Inc.; Fort Wayne, IN), Patent US 6,297,208 B1, Oct. 2, 2001. Uses hot aqueous solution of ammonium bifluoride and boric acid (which react to form fluoboric acid) complemented with added oxalic acid. 'Teflon' also resists well to this solution.
I have tried with aqua regia and it works very well. Don't put this solution under sonication! An accident may occur by effervescence of the solution. Thank you very much for your assistance!