A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

The disclosure relates to the use of H.sub.2SO.sub.4 as an electrolyte in processes for polishing metals, specifically metal parts, for example in jewellery. According to some embodiments the polishing is carried out based on ion transport with electrically conductive free solids in a gaseous environment. According to some embodiments the solids comprise spherical particles with porosity and affinity for retaining the electrolyte so that they have appreciable electric conductivity.

The disclosure relates to the use of H.sub.2SO.sub.4 as an electrolyte in processes for polishing metals, specifically metal parts, for example in jewellery. According to some embodiments the polishing is carried out based on ion transport with electrically conductive free solids in a gaseous environment. According to some embodiments the solids comprise spherical particles with porosity and affinity for retaining the electrolyte so that they have appreciable electric conductivity.

Electroerosion devices and methods for performing electroerosion machining are disclosed. The electroerosion devices may perform simultaneous electrical discharge machining and pulsed electrochemical machining (S-ED/PEC) through electrode assembly design and the use of two different working fluids.

Electroerosion devices and methods for performing electroerosion machining are disclosed. The electroerosion devices may perform simultaneous electrical discharge machining and pulsed electrochemical machining (S-ED/PEC) through the use of at least two different types of electrodes and a quasi-dielectric working fluid.

The invention provides an electrochemical discharge-assisted micro-grinding device for micro-components of brittle and hard materials. The device includes a micro-grinding tool, grinding fluid, a workpiece, an auxiliary electrode, a processing groove, and a pulsed DC power supply; the processing groove is filled with grinding fluid; the micro-grinding tool, the workpiece, and the auxiliary electrode are immersed in the grinding fluid; the micro-grinding tool is composed of a conductive grinding tool base, an electroplating layer, and insulated superabrasives. The micro-grinding tool is connected to the negative electrode of the pulsed DC power supply; the grinding fluid is composed of H.sub.2O.sub.2, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, EDTA-Fe-Na, and deionized water; the workpiece material is brittle and hard; a large number of micro structures need to be produced on the surface of the workpiece.

The invention provides an electrochemical discharge-assisted micro-grinding device for micro-components of brittle and hard materials. The device includes a micro-grinding tool, grinding fluid, a workpiece, an auxiliary electrode, a processing groove, and a pulsed DC power supply; the processing groove is filled with grinding fluid; the micro-grinding tool, the workpiece, and the auxiliary electrode are immersed in the grinding fluid; the micro-grinding tool is composed of a conductive grinding tool base, an electroplating layer, and insulated superabrasives. The micro-grinding tool is connected to the negative electrode of the pulsed DC power supply; the grinding fluid is composed of H.sub.2O.sub.2, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, EDTA-Fe-Na, and deionized water; the workpiece material is brittle and hard; a large number of micro structures need to be produced on the surface of the workpiece.

A method of performing hybrid electrochemical and abrasive fluid polishing is provided. The method comprised disposing (202) a workpiece to be polished and a cathode in a flow of polishing fluid, wherein the polishing fluid comprises at least one electrolyte and at least one abrasive medium. The method further comprises connecting (204) the workpiece and the cathode to an electrical power supply. An apparatus (100) is also provided for hybrid electrochemical and abrasive fluid polishing. The apparatus comprises a vessel (102) comprising an inlet (103a) and an outlet (103b) to allow a flow of fluid through the vessel. The apparatus further comprises one or more mounts (104) configured to hold a workpiece (108) to be polished in the vessel between the inlet and the outlet. The apparatus also comprises one or more connectors (106) configured to connect the workpiece and a cathode (110) to an electrical power supply.

A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.