The top surface layer is roughened by the etching process, creating a three-dimensional surface structure. This changes the properties of the surface, but not of the metal as a whole.

As a side benefit, the etching process makes metal surfaces water-repellant. Additionally, the treatment can be used to remove less chemically-stable particles from metal surfaces.

By using an electrochemical etching process on a common stainless steel alloy, researchers have created a nanotextured surface that kills bacteria while not harming mammalian cells. If additional ...