Improving the frictional properties of the tool/chip interface of micro-textured ceramics tools by using electromagnetic-assisted nanofluids

During the machining of stainless steel by ceramics tools, the tool/chip interface is difficult to be effectively cooled and lubricated due to the poor thermal conductivity of ceramic and stainless steel materials, resulting in the high cutting temperature and severe tool wear. To enhance the penetration of nanofluid into the tool/chip interface, a novel approach of magnetic field-assisted electroosmotic was proposed. The external magnetic field was introduced during the cutting process, and the self-excited electric field generated by intense tool/workpiece interface friction was considered. The effect of electromagnetic field-assisted Fe3O4 nanofluid lubrication on the cutting performance of micro-textured tool was investigated. The results showed that Fe3O4 nanofluid (NF) can be effectively migrated to the tool/chip interface driven by the electroosmotic force, Lorentz force and pressure to alleviate the tool wear. In particular, with increasing of electromagnetic field strength, the cutting performance was significantly improved. In addition, the mechanism of NF permeation at the micro-textured tool/chip interface under the electromagnetic field was revealed by combining the finite element simulation. This work provides a new method for efficient cooling and lubrication of the tool/chip interface during the machining of difficult-to-cut materials, and the drive theory of cutting fluid penetration is also enriched.