Electro-discharge deposition of zinc powder on 316L stainless steel: Synthesis, deposition rate, and characterization
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigated the potential of powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PM-EDM) to deposit metallic powder, specifically zinc powder, on 316L stainless steel (316L SS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) deposition on 316L SS. Minitab 19 software was employed to design the experiments and to analyse and model the results. Surface morphology and microstructure were examined through field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and the results suggested an improvement in the coating thickness with an increase in powder concentration and discharge current. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of hard carbides, such as Cr3C2 and TiC, on the PM-EDMed 316L SS surface. Further characterisation through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the deposition of both the tool electrode and Zn powder particles. An average coating thickness of 91.47 µm was achieved in samples fabricated at 20g/L powder concentration. Screening results revealed that discharge current, pulse-on time, and powder concentration were the most significant parameters. The average predicted errors of 2.055%, 6.782%, and 2.396% for material deposition rate, tool wear rate, and surface roughness were achieved, respectively. These affirmed the excellent reproducibility of the model developed. This study presents a methodology for the formation of carbide- and oxide-based coatings specifically for oil and gas applications.
Institutions: Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Bayero University Kano
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,430
Funder: Yayasan UTP
OpenAlex ID: W4403538383