Study of Al-Cu-ZnO NP composite for EDM Applications

Electro discharge machining is a manufacturing process whereby a desired shape is obtained using electrical discharges. Material is removed from the work piece by a series of rapidly recurring current discharges between two electrodes separated by a dielectric liquid and subject to an electric voltage. In this study the electrode tool is made up of Al-Cu-ZnO NP composite for Electro discharge machining process. The composite is made using powder metallurgy method with aluminum matrix and copper, ZnO nano particles reinforcement. Synthesis of zinc oxide nano particles is achieved from combustion method. By varying zinc oxide nano particles by 3, 5 and 7% in composite its mechanical properties, electrical properties, and wear properties are studied. From the experimentation, it is observed that hardness strength and thermal conductivity increases as percentage of zinc oxide NP increases whereas electrical conductivity and spark erosion rate decreases.