Experiment 13 - HCl

 Cell:

• Cathode:  3.5 cm of exposed 0.25mm Ag wire as close as possible to 1 cm x 2 cm Landauer CR-39 chip
• Anode:  Approximately 5 cm of 0.5 mm Pt wire with Pt screen spot welded on end  
• without magnets

 Electrolyte:

• 30 gm H2O + 0.32 gm HCl + 0.044 gm PdCl2 

 Procedure:  

• 10 mA for 48 hrs

• 100 mA for 24 hrs

Etch:

• 6 hours in 6.5M NaOH at 68C

Results (Started on 1.9.07 Ended on 1.12.07):

• Showed significant stratification after 24 hours

• The Pd plated on both sides of the CR-39.  When viewed through the plastic, the Pd has a metallic sheen.

• The CR-39 washed clean (usually "something" is left behind that turns into pits)

• No visible damage before etching

• After one hour of etching, the wavy lines are there, but no track like damage