Optimization of technological parameters of continuous electrochemical corrosion for ultra-fine tungsten wire preparation

Electrochemical corrosion technology is usually employed to prepare ultra-fine tungsten wires with the diameter less than 10 μm, which are used as materials of wire arrays for Z-pinch tests. For quantitatively controlling diameter reduction of tungsten wire in a certain pass, and exploring the ways to optimize electrolytic parameters according to Faraday law, the relationship of direct ratio between loss weight of tungsten wire and the ratio of current intensity through it and coiling velocity in the process of ultra-fine tungsten wire producing using electrochemical corrosion technology was deduced and examined. It is found that when the percentage of diameter reduction in a certain pass exceeds 25%, the probability of wire breakdown increases above 60%, relative to that of 20% diameter reduction. Based on such conclusion, the way of quantitative control of diameter reduction of tungsten wire in a certain pass was pointed out. And during 18 and 26°C, in the KOH solution with 15 mass percent, electrolytic parameters for minimizing corrosion passes were employed aiming at 3 μm tungsten wire producing. Tungsten wire produced under such optimizing conditions is found better performances in surface quality and break-down strength after tests of SEM and mechanical property.