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chemical:hno3

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Table of Contents

Left: RFNA. Right: fuming nitric acid (forget if it was RFNA or WFNA)

Applications

Includes:

  • Epoxy decapsulation
  • Etch solutions (ex: HNA)

Storage

I've had the best luck storing it in actinic (tinted) glass with a PTFE stopper. Although, I've only used the PTFE stoppers because it came with the bottles. PTFE has a high CTE and a glass stopper would probably work better.

Update: more recently I've been storing bulk WFNA in Nalgene PFA bottles with ETFE lids. I was originally afraid that the WFNA would outgas and with a stopper there is a natural way to release pressure. However, I haven't observed significant outgassing and thus this seems to be a superior way as its:

  • Shatter resistant
  • Spill resistant
  • Seems to offer decent UV protection

Standard glass seems to work decently but I found that it decomposed quicker. If it was stored in a cabinet it should be fine.

Above: RFNA stored in a standard wheaton bottle. I had 70% stored in an identical bottler for over a year and had no problems. Unfortunately, RFNA is much more potent and the fumes ate through in a matter of days. Upon mild pressure the top collapsed altogether.

Suppliers

Distill it yourself

DudaDiesel sells this in 63% concentration but can sell you higher concentrations if you ask nicely / pay extra.

I do not know of any US suppliers that will sell RFNA to the average joe.

Safety

HNO3 fumes are very strong and should not be inhaled or come in contact with skin. RFNA especially releases NO2 fumes.

Nitric acid dries out skin and turns it yellow. Takes two or three weeks to heal completely. Example of nearly healed / peeling thumb:

chemical/hno3.1351398182.txt.gz · Last modified: 2013/10/20 14:59 (external edit)