Electrochemical Properties and Electrochemical Milling of (TiB + TiC)/TC4 Composites

Abstract

The (TiB + TiC)/TC4 composite is a new material with superior high-temperature resistance properties and structural strength. However, it cannot be easily machined by conventional methods. Electrochemical machining is an ideal method for the processing of titanium-matrix composites. In this study, the electrochemical properties of (TiB + TiC)/TC4 composites were investigated. The polarization curve of (TiB + TiC)/TC4 in a NaCl solution with a volume fraction of 20% was measured. The decomposition voltage was approximately 7.2 V. Basic electrochemical dissolution experiments were carried out on TC4 and (TiB + TiC)/TC4. The surface morphology was measured to investigate the dissolution mechanism. It was demonstrated that the reinforcing phase will fall off with the dissolution of TC4 and will not participate in the electrochemical dissolution reaction. Finally, electrochemical milling experiments on (TiB + TiC)/TC4 with different voltages and cathode feed rates were carried out to study the removal rate and surface roughness of the material. The material removal rate (MRR) increased, while the surface roughness decreased with the increases in the voltage and feed rate. A maximum MRR of 171.11 mm3/min and minimum surface roughness of 4.281 μm were obtained at a voltage of 50 V with a feed rate of 20 mm min−1.