Copper Etching Reagent | Metallography | ASTM E407

The Copper Etching reagent is universally recognized as the superior alkaline etchant for copper-based materials. Unlike highly acidic etchants which can cause extreme pitting or artificial staining on soft copper, this ammoniacal solution provides a gentle, controlled, and exceptionally clean chemical polish and etch.

The mechanism relies on the hydrogen peroxide oxidizing the copper surface, while the ammonia instantly dissolves the resulting copper oxides into a soluble cupric-ammonium complex (turning the solution a deep, distinctive blue during use). This dynamic reaction yields brilliant, high-contrast structural reveals ideal for detailed microscopic evaluation.

The Two-Component Advantage: Maximum Freshness

A pre-mixed solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide naturally degrades, losing its oxidizing power and generating internal gas pressure. To guarantee uncompromised laboratory performance and absolute safety, Gündüz Kimya supplies this product as a Two-Component System.

By mixing Part A and Part B immediately prior to your metallographic application, your laboratory ensures 100% effervescence and chemical reactivity, resulting in identical, repeatable etch rates for every single specimen.

Certified ASTM E407 Compliance

Accurate microstructural evaluation is critical for electronics manufacturing, plumbing components, and aerospace copper alloys. Gündüz Kimya manufactures both components of this etchant kit in strict adherence to ASTM E407 (Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys) for copper materials.

Copper Etching Reagent Applications & Uses

Our Ammoniacal Copper Etchant is precisely optimized for non-ferrous metallurgical tasks:

• Pure Copper & PCB Analysis: The industry standard for etching Printed Circuit Board (PCB) cross-sections to evaluate copper plating thickness, through-hole integrity, and grain boundaries.

• Brass and Bronze Alloys: Excellently reveals the complex alpha and beta phases in cast and wrought brasses and bronzes.

• Dendritic Casting Structures: Provides high contrast for macro and micro-evaluation of dendritic segregation in continuously cast copper billets.

• Oxide and Defect Identification: Clearly highlights cuprous oxide inclusions and microporosity without over-etching the surrounding matrix.

Copper Etching reagent Flexible Packaging to Suit Institutional Demands

To ensure maximum safety and chemical stability, our Two-Component Copper Etchant is packaged in chemically inert, tightly sealed polymer containers. Each “Kit” contains precisely measured companion bottles for easy 1:1 mixing:

• 250 ml Kit: Ideal for specialized electronics research, low-volume PCB testing, or academic laboratories.

• 500 ml Kit: The standard configuration for daily laboratory workflows and routine quality inspections.

• 1 Liter (1000 ml) Kit: The highly economical choice for large-scale foundries, continuous casting plants, and high-capacity metallurgical testing facilities.

Why Choose Gündüz Kimya’s Two-Part Copper Etching reagent System?

• Exceptional Purity: Both components are compounded utilizing strictly analytical-grade reagents to prevent sample contamination.

• Optimized Ratios: Specifically formulated so that a simple 1:1 volumetric mixture yields the perfect ASTM-compliant working solution.

• Unwavering Consistency: Rigorous batch-control on both the alkaline and oxidizing agents guarantees reliable chemical performance over time.

• Extended Shelf Life: Because the volatile components are kept physically separated until the moment of use, the shelf life of the unmixed kit vastly exceeds that of pre-mixed alternatives.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Product Name	Ammoniacal Copper Etchant (Two-Component Kit)
Standard Compliance	ASTM E407
Active Ingredients	Part A: Ammonium Hydroxide Part B: Hydrogen Peroxide
Appearance	Clear liquids
Available Volumes	250 ml Kit, 500 ml Kit, 1 Liter Kit
Application Method	Mix 1:1 immediately before use. Swab or Immerse (10 to 60 seconds).
Grade	Analytical / Laboratory Grade
Manufacturer	Gündüz Kimya

Critical Safety & Handling Warning:
Ammonium Hydroxide produces highly irritating, pungent vapors. Hydrogen Peroxide is a strong oxidizer. NEVER store the mixed solution in a tightly sealed container, as the continuous outgassing of oxygen will cause the container to rupture or explode. Mix only the amount needed for immediate use and dispose of the spent solution properly. Always use complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and a lab coat. Use strictly under a certified laboratory fume hood. Please consult the comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provided by Gündüz Kimya for both Part A and Part B prior to use.