  When a finite volume of etching solution is in contact with a disordered
solid, complex dynamics of the solid-solution interface develop. If the etchant
is consumed in the chemical reaction, the dynamics stop spontaneously on a
self-similar fractal surface. As only the weakest sites are corroded, the solid
surface gets progressively harder and harder. At the same time it becomes
rougher and rougher uncovering the critical spatial correlations typical of
percolation. From this, the chemical process reveals the latent percolation
criticality hidden in any random system. Recently, a simple minimal model has
been introduced by Sapoval et al. to describe this phenomenon. Through analytic
and numerical study, we obtain a detailed description of the process. The time
evolution of the solution corroding power and of the distribution of resistance
of surface sites is studied in detail. This study explains the progressive
hardening of the solid surface. Finally, this dynamical model appears to belong
to the universality class of Gra dient Percolation.
