Electrochemical Machining of Micro-Pit Arrays on a GH4169 Alloy with a Roll-Print Mask Using a C6H5Na3O7-Containing NaNO3 Mixed Electrolyte.

Abstract

GH4169 alloy, a nickel-based superalloy known for its excellent high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and high-temperature tribological properties, is widely used in industrial applications, such as in gas turbines for space shuttles and rocket engines. This study addresses the issue of electrolyte product residue in the electrochemical machining process of a GH4169 alloy by utilizing a C₆H₅Na₃O₇-containing NaNO₃ new mixed electrolyte. Comparative investigations of the electrochemical behavior and electrolyte product removal mechanisms at different concentrations of C₆H₅Na₃O₇ additive in NaNO₃ solutions were conducted. The effects of additives, applied voltage, and the rotating speed of the cathode tool on the processing performance of micro-pit arrays on a GH4169 alloy were analyzed. The results indicate that the mixed solution containing C₆H₅Na₃O₇ significantly improves the localization and geometric morphology of the micro-pits compared to a single NaNO₃ solution. The optimal electrochemical machining parameters were identified as 0.5 wt% C₆H₅Na₃O₇ + 10 wt% NaNO₃ mixed electrolyte, 12 V applied voltage, and 0.1 r/min rotating speed of the cathode tool. Under these conditions, high-quality micro-pit arrays with an average diameter of 405.85 μm, an average depth of 87.5 μm, and an etch factor (EF) of 1.67 were successfully fabricated, exhibiting excellent morphology, localization, and consistency.