Removal of casting defects from CMSX-4^®and CMSX-10^®alloys by electropolishing in a novel electrolyte; Deep Eutectic Solvent

Abstract

Abstract.Here we describe the use of environmentally benign Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) to electropolish oxide casting scale from Ni based superalloy turbine blades. These new electrolytes are a viable alternative to hazardous and aggressive aqueous acids and etchants currently used to process these components. In addition we show that the DES electrolytes selectively expose the underlying surface structure of these superalloys. We demonstrate the ability of these electrolytes to preferentially etch either γ or γ phases depending on the choice of electrolyte formulation and the applied potential during the electrolytic etch on CMSX-4 R and CMSX-10 R alloys.

On the role of water in the hydrogen bond network in DESs: an ab initio molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical study on the urea–betaine system

“…15 One of the first applications of DESs was for electrochemical finishing of metals, for instance, Au and Pt nanocrystal electrodeposition controlled by water content in ChCl-based DESs, 16,17 and also the electropolishing of Ni-based super alloy turbine blades. 18 Similarly to ILs, DESs can be used for gas capture of CO 2 19,20 and SO 2 . [21][22][23] Moreover, DESs have been used in biocatalysis due to the possibility of dissolving enzymes without losing their activity.…”