The effect of protic ionic liquid in the reduction of air contaminant gases emitted from electrical discharge machining in the presence of magnetic field.

This study investigates the emissions of CO, CO2, NO, NO2, SO2, and H2S during Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) using protic ionic liquids (PILs) combined with a magnetic field, a novel approach to enhance environmental performance. Ethanolamine formate (MEA), diethanolamine acetate (DEA), and triethanolamine lactate (TEA) were added at 1 v/v% and 3 v/v% concentrations to kerosene dielectric, with a 300 G magnetic field applied at discharge energies of 30 µJ and 120 µJ. PILs significantly promote oxidation, converting incomplete combustion products (CO, H2S) into fully oxidized forms (CO2, SO2). MEA exhibited the strongest effect, achieving the greatest reductions in CO and H2S emissions. Higher PIL concentrations enhanced these effects, though benefits diminished at 120 µJ due to oxidation saturation. The magnetic field inhibited oxidation at 30 µJ, increasing CO and H2S emissions, but enhanced complete combustion at 120 µJ, reducing CO and H2S while increasing CO2 and SO2. Nitrogen oxides showed complex responses, with NO increasing at higher energy under the magnetic field. These findings highlight the synergistic potential of PILs and magnetic fields in reducing harmful emissions during EDM, offering insights for optimizing sustainable machining processes.