Tribological properties of EDC coated layer by using Powder Metallurgy electrode

• Main Author: Awang, Sayidah Nafisah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/28320/; https://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=124188

This research investigated the tribological properties of Electrical Discharge Coating (EDC) applied to mild steel using Powder Metallurgy (PM) copper electrodes. Different compaction pressures and sintering temperatures were tested to see how they affected the performance of the coating, focusing on the coefficient of friction (CoF), wear weight loss, wear scar depth, and coating layer thickness. Mild steel, a widely used industrial material, is prone to wear and corrosion, which limits its performance under severe operating conditions. The experimental setup involved using a Sodick AQ35L die-sinker EDM machine, with PM copper electrodes prepared at different compaction pressures (3, 4, and 5 tons) and sintering temperatures (450°C, 550°C, and 650°C). We conducted tribological tests using a micro pin- on-disc tribometer, maintaining a constant normal load and sliding speed. The combination results indicated that EDC coatings formed under higher sintering temperatures and optimal compaction pressures exhibited lower CoF and reduced wear scar depth compared to the uncoated mild steel substrate (P=4tons, T=550°C). The research concluded that EDC using PM copper electrodes could effectively enhance the wear resistance of mild steel, making it more suitable for applications in cutting tools, molds, and dies.