Title: A study on nano-surface generation in electric discharge machining process using multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Authors: S. Prabhu, B.K. Vinayagam

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, S.R.M. University, Chennai 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, S.R.M. University, Chennai 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Demand for better surface finish and accuracy has been increasing rapidly in recent years. Nano-surface finish has become an important parameter in the semiconductor, optical, electrical and mechanical industries. Carbon nanotube is having high mechanical and electrical properties specifically high electrical conductivity. By using the property of multi-wall carbon nanotube mixed with electrolytic solution in EDM process to analysis the surface characteristics like surface roughness, microcracks, electrode wear and material removal rate in AISI D2 tool steel workpiece materials which is very much used in moulds and dies. Experimental results indicate that the surface roughness and the depth of the microcracks were proportional to the power input. Furthermore, the AFM application yielded information about the depth of the microcracks is particularly important in the post treatment of AISI D2 tool steel machined by EDM. The surface roughness of the workpiece was increased to nano-level.

Keywords: multi-wall carbon nanotubes; CNTs; electrical discharge machining; EDM; electro-discharge machining; surface roughness; microcracks; atomic force microscopy; AFM; nanotechnology; nanosurfaces; nanosurface generation; nanoparticles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2008.026474

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2008 Vol.1 No.4, pp.310 - 326

Published online: 16 Jun 2009 *

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