Background: Nuclear track membranes offer distinct advantages over conventional membranes due to their precisely determined structure. Their pore size

shape and density can be controlled intentionally so that a membrane with the required characteristics can be produced. The track etching technology plays an important role in the production of nuclear track membranes. Purpose: The effect of potassium permanganate solution pretreatment on the etching rate for polyethylene terephthalate film (PET) is studied in this work. Methods: The conductivity method is used in this research. Under different conditions

the PET films were pretreated for 1 h

2 h

3 h

4 h

5 h and 6 h by potassium permanganate solution. 5%

15%

25%

35% of 2-mol?L?1 sulfuric acid solutions were added in 0.1mol?L?1 potassium permanganate solution. Results: Track etching rate reached a peak at 2 h

Afterwards

with the pretreatment time increasing

the track etching rate declined

and the longer of the pretreatment time

the smaller of the bulk etching rate. Half cone angle either. Adding to sulfuric solution

the experimental results show that the effect on track etching rate is small

with the amount of sulfuric acid increasing

bulk etching rate becomes larger

the same change with half cone angle. In addition

the DC voltage used in the conductivity method also has impact on the track etching rate. Conclusion: The experiment has provided a method to improve the etching rate.Cited