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Electrochemical machining of refractory materials

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Abstract

The feasibility of the electrochemical machining (ECM) of pure TiC, ZrC, TiB2 and ZrB2 has been established. In addition, the ECM behaviour of a cemented TiC/10% Ni composite has been investigated and compared to that of its components, TiC and nickel. ECM was carried out in 2M KNO3 and in 3 M NaCl at applied voltages of 10–31 V and current densities of 15–115 A cm−2. Post-ECM surface studies on the TiC/Ni composite showed preferential dissolution of the TiC phase during machining.

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Abbreviations

E 0 :

thermodynamic equilibrium potential (V)

F :

Faraday's constant (96 500 Coul mol−1)

\(\dot x\) :

toolpiece feed rate (cm s−1 or mm min−1)

I :

current (A)

i :

current density (A cm−2)

k :

electrolyte conductivity (Ω−1 cm−1)

l :

interelectrode gap (mm)

\(\dot m\) :

mass removal rate (g s−1 or g min−1)

M :

formula weight (g mol−1)

Q :

electrolyte flow rate (l min−1)

t :

electrolyte temperature (°C)

V :

applied voltage (V)

V IR :

ohmic drop through electrolyte (V)

z :

apparent valence of dissolution (eq mol−1)

ηi :

overvoltages (V)

ϱ:

density of refractory materials (g cm−3)

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Corinne A. Coughanowr

    Present address: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Materials and Molecular Research Division and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Corinne A. Coughanowr, Bernard A. Dissaux, Rolf H. Muller & Charles W. Tobias

Authors
  1. Corinne A. Coughanowr
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  2. Bernard A. Dissaux
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  3. Rolf H. Muller
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  4. Charles W. Tobias
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Coughanowr, C.A., Dissaux, B.A., Muller, R.H. et al. Electrochemical machining of refractory materials. J Appl Electrochem 16, 345–356 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01008844

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01008844

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