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Pickling stainless with peroxide

We are in contact with some people engaged in making stainless steel strips or we can say engaged in steel rolling. They are using sulfuric acid, nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid in pickling. After referring to much literature I want to know can it be possible to use hydrogen peroxide in place of above stated acids for pickling? not as total substitute but if it can used in some quantity or not? is any one who are doing it practically?

Darshana Patel
researcher - Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
2004

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I have no practical experience in this to offer you, but adding the oxidizing agent peroxide to mineral acids like sulfuric turns them into oxidizing acids somewhat similar to nitric acid. For example, this combination is sometimes used as a bright dip for copper in lieu of nitric acid. Peroxide is unstable and expensive, and I suspect that for heavy duty use in stainless steel pickling the cost will be prohibitive.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

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2004

Ms Darshana Patel,

A government run organisation called "Central Electrochemical research Institute" located in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, has done some work on SS pickling alternatives. Possibly you may connect with them.

Peroxide at first sight does look unstable, but it is known to have been stabilised for brightening via oxidation, brass and copper sheets and parts.

On SS I am inclined to agree with Mr Mooney, the costs may prohibit its use as a commercially viable alternative.

Permanganate in caustic has been used at 70 to 80 centigrade to deoxidise Mild steel. However I have no experience with SS. Check the Metal Finishing annual Guidebook for details.

Regards,

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016