Step Change in Manufacture and Processing of Aerospace Superalloy Components

A novel process for electropolishing aerospace castings using ionic liquids is being developed. Specifically this project is exploring the application of novel liquids for electrochemical removal of silicate and metal containing scale from turbine blade castings and seeking to understand how scale forms during solidification on single crystal turbine blade castings. Conventional electropolishing in aqueous electrolytes requires a cocktail of strong inorganic acids that are toxic. Current technology involves manual machining of each intricate piece and is both time and labour intensive. In contrast, the Leicester Ionic Liquids group has shown that ionic liquid electrolytes are effective alternatives to aqueous acids in electropolishing stainless steels and Ni / Co alloys. These liquids are much easier to work with, less toxic, contain no strong acids and operate at much higher energy efficiency. These components are widely available, inexpensive & require no additional registration for commercial use.