ALKALINE ETCHANT

Alchema is the main manufacturer of Alkaline etchant in the UK . This is an ammonia based product and utilises the Company's expertise in the handling of strong alkaline solutions of this type.

This is used for the stripping of surplus copper during printed circuit board manufacture. Alchema arrange distribution of this material in either bulk tankers or containers of various sizes throughout the UK and parts of Europe.

The etchant is formulated to have a high copper loading capability and, once used, the spent material is returned for recycling using a process developed by Alchema. This process both regenerates the etchant for re-use and extracts the copper as a high purity copper oxide suitable for a number of industrial uses mainly associated with wood preservative manufacture.

Alchema therefore serves a dual purpose of supplying the Electronics industry with a necessary chemical whilst solving a potential major environmental problem for the industry through the conversion of a main waste stream into a useful product.