Effect of processing parameters on electropolishing of commercially pure Ti in an alcohol-based electrolyte

Commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) foils were electropolished by using a DC power source in an alcohol-based electrolyte. The influences of applied voltage, processing time, electrolyte temperature and agitation on surface morphology and surface oxygen content were investigated and are reported. Results showed that optimum surface finish in this electrolyte can be achieved at applied voltages in the range of 35–75 V with shorter times at higher applied voltage. Also, increasing electrolyte temperature efficiently accelerates the electropolishing process and gives better surface finishes with respect to that achieved with lower electrolyte temperature at short processing times. Oxygen content of the surface varies with processing parameters and directly affects the surface morphology. The smoothest surface finish was always accompanied by the lowest oxygen content on the surface.