Machinability analysis of multi walled carbon nanotubes filled alumina composites in wire electrical discharge machining process

Machinability analysis of multi walled carbon nanotubes filled alumina composites in wire electrical discharge machining process

Meinam Annebushan Singh, Deba Kumar SarmaOndrej Hanzel, Jaroslav Sedláček, Pavol Šajgalík

Abstract

The approach of machining ceramics with electrical discharge machining process is a great challenge till date due to its low electrical conductivity. Machining is made possible by reinforcing with a conductive phase which increases the overall electrical conductivity. Present work focuses on machining of multi walled carbon nanotubes filled alumina composites. Samples with concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 12.5 vol.% are considered for machining. At lower concentration of 2.5 vol.%, effective machining is not possible. Wire lag phenomena is observed during machining at 5 vol.% sample concentration. Proper machinability is observed with concentration of 7.5 vol.% or more. Also, long micro-cracks are obtained during machining that leads to the workpiece breakage. Spalling effect is observed as the most dominating material removal mechanism. A comparison between alumina composites and conducting metallic alloys were carried out for surface characteristics.

Keywords

AluminaMWCNTWire EDMMRRRa