Abstract
MUCH has been published on the tints of heated copper, but disagreement prevails regarding the oxide responsible for the colours; Dunn (Proc. Roy. Soc., 111 [A], 211; 1926) apparently attributes them to cuprous oxide, and Constable (Ibid., 115 [A], 583; 1927) to a “veneer of cupric oxide”. Recently the oxide films have been isolated from their basis, the metal being dissolved from below by anodic treatment in concentrated potassium sulphate solution; the oxide films, thus undermined, peel off in curling flakes, which retain the grooves and ridges left by the abrasive treatment used to clean the copper before oxidation. The thicker films can also be removed mechanically.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
EVANS, U. Oxide Films responsible for the Tints on Heated Copper. Nature 123, 16 (1929). https://doi.org/10.1038/123016a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/123016a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.