CHEMICAL-PROCESSING OF THIN CHROMIUM FILMS

Conditions for the chemical dissolution of thin chromium films in mildly acting media were investigated. Electrode potentials and static polarization curves of chromium-plated electrodes in solutions of varying hydrogen ion activity were measured and average dissolution potentials determined. With redox couples corresponding to the appropriate dissolution potentials suitable conditions were found for the chemical dissolution of chromium both in mild acidic and in alkaline media, avoiding the region of passivity and also the necessity to use chemicals destructive to other materials present.