Patent attributes
A method for selectively removing oxide material from the surface of a substrate or coating disposed on the substrate is disclosed. The method includes the step of contacting the oxide material with an aqueous treatment composition having the formula HxAF6, wherein A can be Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Al, and Ga; and x is 1-6. The composition can sometimes include an additional acid, such as phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof. A method for replacing a worn or damaged protective coating applied over a substrate, utilizing the treatment composition, is also described.