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MSparks6
- 5
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Looking to polish some pure elemental iridium... I think hot hydrochloric acid might work but have yet to try it. Anyone know for sure how to do this?
The first step in polishing iridium is to thoroughly clean the surface. This can be done by wiping the surface with a clean cloth and a small amount of acetone or isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils or residue. Then, rinse with water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Iridium is a very hard metal, so a fine abrasive compound such as diamond paste or alumina powder is recommended. These abrasives can be applied to a polishing cloth or pad.
Apply a small amount of the chosen abrasive to the polishing cloth or pad. Then, using light pressure, rub the abrasive in a circular motion over the surface of the iridium. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
The best way to polish iridium is to use a series of increasingly fine abrasives. Start with a coarse abrasive and gradually move to finer abrasives until the desired level of polish is achieved. It is also important to maintain consistent pressure and motion during polishing.
To achieve a mirror-like finish on iridium, it is important to use a very fine abrasive and apply it with a gentle touch. The final step should be a buffing with a soft, clean cloth to remove any remaining abrasives and bring out the shine of the metal.