Investigation of oil and emulsion stability of locally prepared metalworking fluids

Abstract

PurposeNo one particular fluid has cooling and lubrication properties suitable for every metalworking application. The purpose of this paper is first, to investigate the effect of anionic and nonionic mixed emulsifier system in stabilization of cutting fluid formulations and second, to study the interaction synergism of the fulfill additives of metalworking fluids to achieve low scar diameters, high stability, anti rusting and corrosion properties.Design/methodology/approachA lot of set mixtures in this work were formulated to get the demand needed for soluble oil metalworking fluids. It was based on a blend of emulsifier package (anionic‐non ionic), and in order to reach acceptable manufacturing conditions, coupling agent, stabilizer, biocide, base oil and anti‐rust additives were added to the formulation. Different percentages of these components were incorporated to optimize the stability of the emulsifier system. Standard tests were carried out to evaluate the performance of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions as lubricating and cooling fluids in machining operations. The evaluation was drawn in five factors; oil stability, emulsion stability, pH, anti‐rust (corrosion inhibition), biological activity and extreme pressure performance tests.FindingsAll tests achieved excellent results according to the ASTM. From the obtained results, the formula (named EPRI 950) exhibited a good performance compared with the commercial cutting fluid.Originality/valueThis work investigates the effect of anionic and nonionic mixed emulsifier system in stabilization of cutting fluid formulations; and the interaction synergism of the fulfill additives of metalworking fluids to achieve low scar diameters, high stability, anti‐rusting and corrosion properties.