Title: Experimental study and empirical modelling of laser surface finishing of silicon carbide

Authors: Ketema Bobe Bonsa; Woldetinsay Gutu Jiru; Mamilla Ravi Sankar; Uday Shanker Dixit

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, India

Abstract: Laser surface modification is an innovative method of polishing hard to machine ceramics for industrial applications. Laser has wide applications in industries due to a wide range of available and easily controllable power. It modifies any surface for high surface finishing applications. Silicon carbide is composed of carbon and silicon atoms forming a strong bond. It can be used in different applications like turbine components, ball valve parts, heat exchangers and semi-conductors. In this work, silicon carbide substrate material was irradiated using CO2 laser at different parameters (laser power 50-500 W and scan speed of 300-800 mm/min). After laser surface irradiation, surface roughness and its morphology were investigated. Laser irradiation improved the surface finish. The morphology of improved surface is free from any cracks. The Rockwell hardness test results show that the hardness of laser polished surface is about twice the original hardness.

Keywords: laser; ceramic; surface finishing; silicon carbide; surface roughness; hardness; CO2 laser; design of experiments; energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; morphology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASMM.2017.089922

International Journal of Additive and Subtractive Materials Manufacturing, 2017 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.290 - 309

Received: 31 Mar 2017
Accepted: 29 Sep 2017

Published online: 25 Feb 2018 *

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