A Study of Lithium Flouride Etch Morphologies using Silica Gel

Abstract

<p>Cleavage surfaces of lithium fluoride are etched on a silica hydrogel containing ferric ions as inhibitor. The gel eliminates turbulence in the system and retards the diffusion of ferric ions towards the dissolving interface. The dissolution etch pits and features are examined by interference and electron microscopy. The ledge structure of pits thus formed is very regular. An explanation for the observed rounding of pits at high inhibitor concentration is proposed.</p>