Thanks for all the great replies! I definitely won't play with HF without the right PPE and a fresh tube of calcium gluconate. I think the next step is to see if the $20/hr lab bench space (where HF is approved) is cheaper than DRIE without passivation... I only need 1 micron depth to start, but I have no idea of DRIE cost/min or hour. On Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 9:28 PM, Kirt Williamswrote: > BHF mixed with most acids, especially strong acids (meaning that they fully > dissociate into H+ and the anion), will form some HF (that is, the compound > [responsible for etching], not dissociated into H+ and F-). As noted in one > of the papers, "the Trilogy etch" forms HF from the ammonium fluoride and > nitric acid. Use the appropriate safety precautions for HF. > --Kirt Williams > > -----Original Message----- > From: mems-talk-bounces+kirt_williams=sbcglobal.net@memsnet.org > [mailto:mems-talk-bounces+kirt_williams=sbcglobal.net@memsnet.org] On Behalf > Of Dave > Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 9:41 AM > To: mems-talk@memsnet.org > Subject: Re: [mems-talk] Are there any 'safe' (non-hf) isotropic etches? > > Are you sure on the NH4F safety? My understanding is that this simply > dissociates into HF once it is combined with water. > > Whenever I use etchants with NH4F or ammonium biflouride I treat them like > HF. > > Dave > _______________________________________________ > Hosted by the MEMS and Nanotechnology Exchange, the country's leading > provider of MEMS and Nanotechnology design and fabrication services. > Visit us at http://www.mems-exchange.org > > Want to advertise to this community? See http://www.memsnet.org > > To unsubscribe: > http://mail.mems-exchange.org/mailman/listinfo/mems-talk > > _______________________________________________ > Hosted by the MEMS and Nanotechnology Exchange, the country's leading > provider of MEMS and Nanotechnology design and fabrication services. > Visit us at http://www.mems-exchange.org > > Want to advertise to this community? See http://www.memsnet.org > > To unsubscribe: > http://mail.mems-exchange.org/mailman/listinfo/mems-talk -- -Nathan _______________________________________________ Hosted by the MEMS and Nanotechnology Exchange, the country's leading provider of MEMS and Nanotechnology design and fabrication services. Visit us at http://www.mems-exchange.org Want to advertise to this community? See http://www.memsnet.org To unsubscribe: http://mail.mems-exchange.org/mailman/listinfo/mems-talk