Inventors:
George M. Meseha - Salem CT
Fausto V. Travares - Norwich CT
Ramana V. Appadwedula - Norwich CT
Emory C. Brown - Lisbon CT
Assignee:
Phelps Dodge Industries, Inc. - Phoenix AZ
International Classification:
C23G5/04
Abstract:
A copper surface pickling process is improved by providing most of the oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) used in the process in a separate bath following a primarily acid bath. The temperature of the separate hydrogen peroxide bath can be kept lower, which reduces hydrogen peroxide loss and therefore consumption. After the hydrogen peroxide bath, the copper surface is subjected to high pressure rinsing, including a final stage in which purified (e. g. , distilled) water is used.