Hi! In our institue we are using following mixture: 4.8 g K2Cr2O7 20 g 50% H3PO4 fill up to 100 mL with destilled water. We found it4s the best recipe to remove the alumina. (ca. 70-800C) Nearly all chromic compounds are carcinogen. But don`t be afraid, if you pay regard to some safety regulations, it`s no problem. ********************************** Dipl.-Chem. Matthias Kruse Institut fuer Anorganische Chemie Fachbereich 8 Universitaet Essen Universitaetsstr. 5-7 45117 Essen Tel. +49 (0)201 183-4515 Fax. +49 (0)201 183-4195 email matthias.kruse@uni-essen.de ***********************************