Surface modification of CFRP composite using reverse-EDM method

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite has a wide range of application in automobile and aerospace industry due to its superior characteristics. This paper investigates the surface characteristics of CFRP composites by depositing tungsten and copper powder on its surface using electrical-discharge machining (EDM) process. The change of its metallographic structure and the surface integrity are studied by performing FESEM, EDX, and XRD analyses. An attempt is made to study the size of crystallite, dislocation density, and micro strain at the surface level of the deposited material. The presence of tool material and the carbides such as WC and W2C of tool constituents are detected on the surface of the CFRP composites.