How to Dissolve Steel Ammonium Alum

Dissolving steel ammonium alum is a two-step application process.

Steel and ammonium alum are two separate metals with very different properties. In order to dissolve these metals when combined, it is necessary to apply two distinct compounds that will interact with the structures of each metal, resulting in total dissolution. Mixing these compounds is not advised; rather, it is recommended that one be applied to the metal initially and allowed to react completely prior to administering the second dissolving agent.

Things You'll Need

• Glass tank
• Circuit wire
• Wire strippers
• Alligator clips
• 9-volt battery
• Sulfuric acid
• Distilled water
• Towel
• Hydrochloric acid

Instructions

1. Prepare an electrochemical bath of sulfuric acid diluted to 15% within a glass tank.

2. Strip back one inch of coating from each end of both circuit wires. Connect one end of the red and black wires to the steel ammonium alum using alligator clips.

3. Submerge the metal in the bath. Conduct a reverse sulfuric acid strip by connecting the loose end of the black circuit wire to the negative terminal of a 9-volt battery and the red wire to the positive terminal in order to dissolve the steel.

4. Remove the metal from the bath when the steel is dissolved and dry completely.

5. Dissolve ammonium alum in water with a ratio of 1 gram to 20mL, and add 5 mL hydrochloric acid.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety goggles, protective clothing and nitrile gloves when working with sulfuric acid. Handle the steel ammonium alum with tongs to avoid close contact with acids, which are harmful to skin and clothing.

References

• "Chemical and Petroleum Engineering"; Corrosion Testing of Some Construction Metals; N.P. Abalyan; May 1966
• mubychem Group: Ammonium Alum Manufacturers