It is the fluorantimonic, whose acidity exceeds the highest found in nature: 100% sulfuric acid. The mixture of hydrofluoric acid and antimony pentafluoride is considered the strongest among super acids and was created to react with materials that others cannot handle. The concentration of an acid is measured by the amount of H+ ions, which initiate chemical reactions with other substances. Fluorantimonic has 20 quintillion times more ions than sulfuric, however, despite this “power”, it is not capable of corroding everything – since corrosion does not depend on strength, but on the chemical interaction of substances. One thing, however, is certain: when corrosion occurs, the damage is irreversible.
PROOF OF THE THREE
Discover the most dangerous pure acids and find out which one causes the most damage
Hydrofluoric acid (Hf)
As it reacts with glass and metal, it has to be stored in paraffin or in polymers, such as teflon.
PET: Attacks plastic, which takes on a watery appearance.
STEEL: The more diluted, the stronger the reaction. Turns steel into gas and liquid.
GLASS: Concentrated, it can exceed 100ºC and boil molten glass.
HUMAN BODY: Causes burns. When diluted, it can penetrate the skin, dissolving bones.
Sulfuric Acid (H2So4)
The most popular of the acids is used in industry and in the production of fertilizers.
PET: The sale is controlled by the Federal Police. Concentrated above 40%, it melts plastic.
STEEL: Forms a layer of rust that prevents corrosion from continuing.
GLASS: Does not react.
HUMAN BODY: Concentrated above 15%, it causes severe burns and tissue dehydration.
Nitric Acid (HNo3)
It attacks most metals, except the precious ones. Mixed with glycerin and sulfuric acid, it forms the explosive nitroglycerin.
PET: Heated to 90°C, makes the material turn liquid.
STEEL: The material is diluted in the aqueous acid solution.
GLASS: Does not react.
HUMAN BODY: Causes burns and can react with the skin – forming a yellow spot.
CONSULTANCY Tibor Rabóczkay, full professor at the Institute of Chemistry at USP. SOURCES Technological Research Institute (ipt.br); Handbook of Corrosion Data, by Bruce D. Craig and David S. Anderson
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