Many people are interested in knowing which acid corrodes the metal. Almost all acids are suitable for this purpose - they have a destructive effect of different strengths on any surface. There are many recipes for dissolving metal, but popular methods are not suitable for everyone. Someone needs to divide a sheet of steel into two parts without a grinder, and others need to make a hole in the fence in a couple of days. Consider the main methods, analyzing the pros and cons of exposure.
Nitric acid (HNO3)
It is a very strong acid with a pungent odor.
Pros:
- Dissolves all metals except aluminum and iron.
- Low price. From 15 rub. per kilogram for technical and from 50 rubles. for pure acid.
- Prevalence - you can buy nitric acid in any city, in many online stores, in all volumes and concentrations.
- Multifunctionality. This compound is also used as a rocket fuel reagent, fertilizer and raw material for drugs (nitroglycerin).
Minuses:
- Volatility of nitric acid. The concentrated compound "smokes", and in bright light decomposes into nitric oxide and water. It must be stored in dark containers.
- Choking smell.
- Virulence. Acid is dangerous for the human body, causes suffocation and intoxication with unprotected contact. You need to work with her in a mask and gloves.
- Slow action. If the compound is not mixed with other acids, then 2 mm of metal will dissolve for 5 hours.
- Dissolution of not only the necessary, but also the surrounding objects - concrete, wood, etc.
What acids corrode metal
Sulfuric, perchloric and phosphoric acids in high concentrations are also suitable.
Pros:
- corrode iron;
- act fast, but you need to remember that "fast" in chemistry is a very broad concept;
- accessibility - finding these acids is easier than nitric acid;
- light does not affect the connection;
- resistance to low temperatures - if, for example, sulfuric acid freezes, then its properties will not change.
Minuses:
- Intolerance to high temperatures. Acids can be "quenched" - they themselves will not suffer after this, but the storage location will be difficult to restore.
- The complexity of the work. It is necessary to observe safety rules, it is better not to touch flasks with connections with bare hands. You will need to buy special equipment if you are going to do anything with acids.
What acid quickly corrodes metal
It is better to use compounds of several substances, for example, "royal vodka". This is a mixture of one part of nitric and three parts of hydrochloric acid. The oxidizing abilities of such a compound are very strong - even gold can be dissolved.
Tsarist vodka cannot be stored open, because chlorine will evaporate from it and the compound will lose its basic properties. But in a few minutes the metal will not dissolve even this substance - you will have to wait a couple of hours to achieve the desired effect.
If you want to increase the reaction rate, then you can apply acid to the thread (apply without interruption) and move this thread, like a saw on metal.
Acids are not the best solution to the problem. It is much more efficient to use gases, a grinder, termite or autogen (gas cutter).