Speaker
Description
Rare-event search experiments require construction materials with high radiopurity to minimise background contributions. Thanks to its high mechanical strength, low density, machinability, and commercial availability in relatively radio-pure forms, titanium is a suitable material for structural elements in rare-event searches. To remove potential surface deposits, a chemical etching stage is usually undertaken. However, due to its chemical resistance, the etching of titanium conventionally requires hydrofluoric acid, which poses serious health and safety challenges, which are further exacerbated in deep underground laboratory settings. An alternative approach is proposed, which uses sulphuric acid. This talk will present tests performed with this method, including performance dependence on temperature and concentration, as well as roughness measurements performed with an optical microscope and the effect on the surface microstructure performed using a scanning electron microscope.