Surface Modification on Aluminium Alloy by Electrical Discharge Machining in Dielectric Fluid of Monoethanolamine

Surface modification on aluminium alloy was studied by electrical discharge machining (EDM), using a titanium tool electrode in dielectric fluid of monoethanolamine (MEA). The morphology, element composition and compound of surface modification were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersion spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that the major layer was mainly aluminium titanium nitride (AlTiN) with 45 microns average thickness, showing inhomogeneous solidification, micro cracks and micro voids. In addition, the average surface roughness of the top EDM surface was also evaluated and studied including the micro hardness investigation of the layer and the aluminium alloy substrate.