Fundamental performance of magnetic compound fluid (MCF) polishing tool in metal surface finishing

Abstract

This paper proposes a new finishing method for metal surface using magnetic compound fluid (MCF) polishing tool that is produced by semi-solidifying MCF containing abrasive particles. The semi-solidification of MCF is carried out under a compression pressure with an applied magnetic field. MCF is a mixture of kerosene-based magnetic fluid (MF) containing 10 nm-size magnetite (Fe3O4), micro-size iron (Fe) powder and α-cellulose fibre. Microscopic observation of MCF polishing tools prepared at different compositions and the MCF shear strengths together with fundamental performances in constant-contact-force polishing were experimentally investigated. A simple empirical equation to evaluate material removal using MCF polishing tool is also discussed. The experimental results indicated that MCF polishing tools prepared at different compositions influences the tool shear strength and subsequently polishing tool that possess high shear strength showed a better improvement in metal-surface finishing.