[Rocketeer]

I am currently investigating into the possibility of dissolving either Kevlar or Aluminium under conditions as follows

temp: between -50 and +20 degrees celsius
no gravity
pressure: 0.5-1 Bar

timeframe: max 2 hours

degradation: 5-10% Kevlar dissolved
25-50% Aluminium dissolved


My chemistry knowledge is insufficient to include the effect of zero-gravity and of low temperatures. I know however that low temperatures slow the reaction down.

Which acid-base or other chemical (independent of price or toxiticy) would do the job best? By best I mean, the chemical should be (not a must be), specific, meaning it does not attack other materials or at least can easily be shielded. It also should require only small amounts. Violent (explosive) reaction are rather unwanted.

Thank you very much and have fun solving this one...

[nj_bartel]

I highly doubt there's a substance that will dissolve both kevlar and aluminum that doesn't react with a whole hell of a lot else too.

Also, I'm not sure how exactly dissolving a polymer would work, but apparently concentrated warm sulfuric acid will 'dissolve' kevlar, and will certainly dissolve aluminum.  However, there's not a lot it won't react with in some form.

[Rocketeer]

Well it's not as difficult. It's either Kevlar OR Aluminium. I have the choice between those two. Whichever will be easier to disolve. I am not looking for something that dissolves both. Right now, dissolving Kevlar is the more viable question. We are thinking about using concentrated sodium hypochloride under slightly elevated temperatures (40 degrees C). Would that work?

[Borek]

I am not sure concentrated hypochlorite fits

it does not attack other materials

part of the original specification.