What is Hydrofluoric Acid?

Hydrofluoric acid is produced from the mineral fluorspar, also known as calcium fluoride and concentrated sulfuric acid. When combined at 250°C, these two substances react to produce hydrogen fluoride. It is a colorless, fuming liquid or gas that is comprised of a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom. The dissolved form is called hydrofluoric acid.

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive solution of the chemical compound hydrogen fluoride in water. It is used mainly for industrial purposes, for example, glass etching, metal cleaning, electronics manufacturing, etc. It is extremely hazardous as it can penetrate human skin, allowing it to destroy soft tissues and decalcify bones.

Forms of Hydrofluoric Acid

Anhydrous HF is considered to be pure hydrogen fluoride. It is a water-free vapor of hydrofluoric acid; used in conjunction with vapor of either water or alcoholic solvents (e.g. methanol) to etch silicon oxides on the wafer surface. It is used in the production of refrigerants, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, aluminum, plastics, electrical components and fluorescent light bulbs.

Aqueous HF is a water solution of hydrogen fluoride. It is mainly used in stainless steel pickling, glass etching, metal coatings, exotic metal extraction and quartz purification.

Uses of Hydrofluoric Acid

Industrial Use

• Electroplating Acid Metal Cleaners – Oxide Removers
• Glass Etching and Frosting
• Flotation Agents Depressants – Nonsulfide Ores
• Integrated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Pickling Acids
• Laboratory Chemicals Acids, Other Chemicals (non-salts)
• Oil Refineries Catalyst to Produce High-Octane Fuel Additives
• Refrigeration Manufacture of Fluorocarbons
• Semiconductors
• Wet Chemical Etching

Home Use

• Air-conditioning unit coil cleaners;
• aluminum automotive wheel cleaners;
• chrome, brass, and crystal cleaners;
• masonry cleaners;
• rust stain remover;
• truck and commercial car washing compounds;
• water spot remover.