Author: DARIO RIZZETTO ; Type of thesis: Bachelor Thesis
Abstract: The electropolishing of niobium cavities is commonly made in an acid electrolyte constituted by a mixture of sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid, in a volume ratio of 1:9 [5]. Considering the hazards and problems related to the use of these substances, in the last years many research teams have developed alternative electrolytic solutions, which are more or less effective [6] [7] [8].
One of them is being tested at the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL): it consists of a ionic liquid, i.e. a salt that is liquid at room temperature. It is prepared simply mixing two solids: urea and choline chloride. This electrolyte was initially studied by Abbott et al. in 2003 [9]. They then gave evidence of the potential of ionic liquids based on choline chloride electropolishing successfully stainless steel [10].
Recent studies at LNL have confirmed that electropolishing of niobium with this electrolyte is possible
Tesi_Rizzetto_Liquidi Ionici download