Plasma Polishing of Stainless Steels – The Electrolyte Concentration Vs. Gloss Level

The technology of plasma polishing in electrolyte is considered as environmental friendly alternative to the common electrochemical polishing process. The solutions of the electrolyte use no acids or toxicants, but the environmental safe, low concentrated aqueous solutions of various inorganic salts are used instead. The dependence of the gloss level of the treated surface upon the electrolyte concentration as well as upon the voltage is examined in this paper. The specimens of stainless steel were used for plasma polishing in ammonium sulphate based electrolyte. The influence of the voltage on the overall properties of the process is discussed, as well.