Electropolishing of copper by using different mono, di and poly hydroxyl compounds additives

Electropolishing [EP] technique is one of more efficient methods for cleaning and brightening of metals and alloys. Tarnishing and roughness covering copper surface can be removed by EP treatment imparting a bright and smooth surface at a suitable applied voltage, time and concentration. It was carried out by using an electrolytic cell containing phosphoric acid as the electrolytic solution, copper working electrode and lead counter electrode. Some additives such as soluble starch. ethylene glycol and methanol were added to reduce defects formed on the copper surface during EP operation. The effect of electric potential and time was studied and the surface was also investigated after EP treatment by SEM, EDX and AFM analysis