Surface properties of electrochemically buffed titanium casting.

Electrochemical buffing, a combined process of electrochemical and mechanical polishing, was applied to titanium casting. Mixture of alpha-Al2O3 suspension (average grain diameter of 5 microm) and 5% KNO3 solution was used as abrasive slurry. Specimen and experimental wheel buff were respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of a DC source, whose potential ratings ranged from 0 V (MEP) to 10 V (ECB10). Surface roughness, hardness, color, and cleanness were investigated. ECB10 surface produced a gold color and attained a mirror finish, as its roughness value was only one-quarter that of MEP. High amount of aluminum was present in MEP surface. Its bond state entirely differed from that of alpha-Al2O3, hence indicating surface alteration due to chemical reactions with the abrasive material. At higher potentials, reaction products might be dissolved anodically, so that the surface was chemically clean to some extent. The surface also became rich in OH-.