Aluminium Choride to rust metal

[bigegg]

I've read a couple of times on here of people using aluminium chloride as a surface treatment for mild steel - sculptures i think.

What does it do?
I've had a google, but it seems to be just an acid?
It is also quite expensive compared to other acids.
Is there a particular reason for using this particular acid, rather than, say, citric? or sulphuric?

 

[chunkolini]

You mean Ammonium Chloride.
it goes on in solution, then as it drys it decomposes to give off ammonia leaving behind a weak hydrochloric acid the fumes are not bad, I do it indoors, you are aware of the smell but no problem.
Not tried anything else, this works a treat, is easy and safe to use. I have wondered what else can be used.

 

[bigegg]

You mean Ammonium Chloride.
it goes on in solution, then as it drys it decomposes to give off ammonia leaving behind a weak hydrochloric acid the fumes are not bad, I do it indoors, you are aware of the smell but no problem.
Not tried anything else, this works a treat, is easy and safe to use. I have wondered what else can be used.

Probably why I got no hits for anything useful on google.


Thanks!

 

[DrNik]

I have some hydrochloric acid 32% and been cleaning some aluminium in it, we'll the aluminium looks like its about 200 degree, as the acid boils, gives a really nasty cloud off it and when it lands on anything it's rusts almost instantly, (o ly found out by accident) the cheaper the aluminium the more it boils

 

[chunkolini]

That sounds well dodgy, any acid reaction that gives off fumes can be dangerous. Failed A level chemist here, but I am happy sticking to stuff that is safe.

 

[DrNik]

Lol, it's when your eyes are stinging and you can't breathe, you know not only is it corroding the metal but its also corroding your eyes and lungs, 2minutes of that probably equals 20 years of 40 fags a day