Towards A Green and Sustainable Electropolishing Technology: Feasibility Studies on the Application of Choline Chloride-based Solvents for Electropolishing Aluminum

Eden May Dela Peña Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines
Miguel Paolo de Boda Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines
Farley Sean Napiri Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines

Abstract

Abstract – In this study, electropolishing of aluminum was performed using ethaline, an ionic liquid mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol, as polishing electrolyte. Polishing was conducted using a two-electrode system at electrode potentials of 4.5 V and 6.0 V. Electropolishing removed pre-treatment artefacts such as scratches and yielded a smooth aluminum surface. Surface analysis revealed the presence of nodular or hemispherical features in the electropolished metal. Surface roughness measurements indicate optimum electropolishing time of 25 minutes and 15 minutes at potentials of 4.3 V and 6.0 V, respectively. Ethaline is a promising ionic liquid electrolyte for electropolishing aluminum.

Keywords – electropolishing, deep eutectic solvent, aluminum, choline chloride

Published

2020-12-23

Issue

Vol 41 No 2 (2020)

Section

Articles