[nicholaslyz]

I was reading about Hard Disk sanitization, and came across this peculiar step:[from http://ora.stanford.edu/supporting_files/dod_computer_disposition.pdf]

pg 12, 4.5 "Application of acid activator Dubais Race A (NSN 8010 181 7171) and
stripper Dubais Race B (NSN 8010. 181 7170) to a magnetic drum recording surface.
Technical acetone (NSN 6810 184 4796) should then be applied to remove residue from
the drum surface. The above should be done in swell-ventilated area, and personnelmust
wear eye protection ."

What exactly does an acid activator do? And why must it be applied in conjunction with a "stripper"? Is it a solvent for the acid or what?

[Arkcon]

I wouldn't use the term "trade name" or "commercial name", but these names are likely jargon specific to the source the NSN, and not a general trade term for hard drive wiping.  The context is clear, these two reagents work together to strip the sputtered magnetic surface off a hard disk.

[Extracted]

That product references the physical removal of the magnetic material from a magnetic drum, not a hard drive.  Magnetic drums are dinosaurs in the computer world.