Concept of microsmoothing in the electropolishing process

Abstract

Electropolishing of metals and numerous alloys can provide smooth, bright and reflective surfaces that exhibit superior corrosion resistance compared with untreated materials. These features are achieved mainly after electropolishing pure metals and single-phase alloys. Earlier researchers have indicated that, in comparison with other treatments (mechanical polishing, chemical etching), electropolishing produces a much thinner surface layer with changed and specific properties. This implies a difference in the solid surface chemistry which is valuable from the viewpoint of the technical usefulness of such surfaces. Experimental investigations carried out on various metals and alloys have proved that both electrochemical and hydrodynamic conditions are responsible for the positive results obtained in the process. The aim of the present work is to provide a new concept of electropolishing covering transport phenomena such as diffusion and adsorption as well as the hydrodynamic conditions.