Method for removal of certain oxide films from metal surfaces

摘要

A manufactured metal member, such as a wire, having a magnetite oxide film thereon, is subjected to mechanical stress to produce cracking of the magnetite film approximately to the surface of the metal member. The metal member is then moved through an electrolysis cell bath in which the metal member forms the anode thereof, and vertically positioned steel bars form the cathode. A pulsating DC current is applied to the anode and the cathode. The current flows to the surface of the metal member via the cracks in the oxide, maintaining the metal member anode in a state of depassivation and loosening the bond between the oxide film and the metal member. The loosened magnetite is then readily cleaned off the metal member. A thermal stressing step may also be used prior to the mechanical stressing.