Effect of electrolyte on the current-carrying process in electrochemical machining

Abstract Role of electrolyte [NaCl] in current-carrying processes in electrochemical machining of iron work piece has been analysed in light of Onsagar equation of strong electrolyte. Over-voltage-calculated with respect to equilibrium gap and penetration rate, shows that only a narrow range of equilibrium gap and penetration rate are admissible. It has been found that the maximum specific conductance of NaCl solution is 0.0387 ohm-1 cm-1 at 1.5 M NaCl concentration. It appears that NaCl contribute only a fraction of current, on the other hand H+ and OH-produced by electrolysis of water play an important role in the current-carrying process.