Controlled Dissolution of Crystals: Application to Berlinite (α AlPO4), a Piezoelectric Material

Abstract This paper presents the controlled dissolution of berlinite, a new piezoelectric material. The first part of this work presents a short review of crystal growth and dissolution theory where only the major relations are taken into account and interpreted in view of their application in the controlled dissolution of berlinite crystals. The second part presents the results obtained for the chemical etching of berlinite in acid media. The composition of the etching bath was chosen to improve the surface state according to dissolution theory.