Preparation of Ag-Cu composite nanoparticles by the submerged arc discharge method in aqueous media

Abstract

For this study, electrical discharge machining (EDM) and the submerged arc discharge method (SADM) were used to melt a silver-copper composite metal in deionized water through concentrated arc energy in order to produce metal fluids containing nano- and submicron particles. The fabrication process did not require additional chemicals, and was simple and efficient. The critical processing parameters for EDM were the discharge voltage and current as well as the on-off duration for pulse discharge; the sample concentration could be controlled under appropriate conditions. The experimental results revealed that, through electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM), silver-copper composite metal particles could be achieved at a nano to submicron level. In addition, the results obtained varied according to differences in the on-off duration regarding pulse discharge. In this study, when the discharging parameter (Ton-Toff) was at 30 : 50, nanocomposite fluids with an optimal concentration and small particles were obtained. The application of EADM could enable the mass production of composite metal fluids or particles at low cost and high efficiency. Employing EADM for the fabrication of composite metal fluids or particles warrants research attention, and the process itself can be developed further.