Waterless Kalling's
Waterless Kallings
Material Specific
Composition
Ethyl alcohol 40–55%, Copper (II) chloride 0.5–10%, Hydrogen chloride 40–55%, Methyl alcohol 0.5–2%
PACE product, by weight
Method
Swab
Time
5–60 s
Alternative Names
Tags
Reveals
Grain boundaries in martensitic and PH stainless steels where Kalling's No. 2 over-etches; sigma phase; carbides; ferrite vs austenite contrast in duplex
Typical Results
Water-free version of Kalling's: equal HCl + ethanol with CuCl2. Stronger and more controllable than Kalling's No. 2 on martensitic stainless, PH stainless (17-4, 15-5), and duplex (2205, 2507). The absence of water gives more uniform attack on chromium-rich grades. Less suitable for plain austenitic SS; use Kalling's No. 2 there.
Application Method
Method:Swab
Typical Time:5–60 s
Preparation Notes
PACE Waterless Kalling's is supplied ready-to-use. Composition (by weight):
| Ingredient | CAS No. | % | Hazardous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethyl alcohol | 64-17-5 | 40–55% | Yes |
| Copper (II) chloride | 7447-39-4 | 0.5–10% | Yes |
| Hydrogen chloride | 7647-01-0 | 40–55% | Yes |
| Methyl alcohol | 67-56-1 | 0.5–2% | Yes |
| Isopropyl alcohol | 67-63-0 | 0.5–2% | Yes |
Application Notes
Swab the freshly polished surface 5–60 s at room temperature. Rinse with water then ethanol; air-dry.
Troubleshooting
More aggressive than Kalling's No. 2; start at 5 s and add seconds as needed. Aged 17-4 PH H900 typically needs 30–60 s. Pitted attack means the swab dwelled too long.
Storage Notes
Amber glass at room temperature. Stable several months sealed (less hygroscopic than Kalling's No. 2).
Alternative Etchants
- Kalling's No. 2
- Vilella's Reagent
- Adler's Etchant
Similar Etchants
- Kalling's No. 2