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Stripping Copper off Zinc/Aluminum

For many years I have been supplying metal strippers for all sorts of substrates, but to this day, I do not have or know of a good product for stripping copper off zinc. As a matter of fact, the zinc material of the day is a Zinc/Aluminum alloy. The mix is 73% Zinc, 24% Aluminum, a little Copper and Silicon. Does anyone have a suggestion as to safely stripping copper off this base?

Randy DiSano
Chemical Supplier - Cranston, RI
February 19, 2009

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March 26, 2009

hi , the only way I can think of to strip copper from zinc , would be to use an anodic sulfuric etch , but MUST ENSURE the power is on at all times - or the zinc will be attacked .
(this is only a method I use to strip chrome nickel and copper from a certain zinc diecast part I plate so I'm not sure if it will work with the material you mention )

I would also be interested if anyone knows a simpler and safer way.

hope this helps.

Jay Smith
- Essex, UK